In 1936, Edward is 60 years old, Kate is 57 years old and Alys is 52 years old. Eva is 27 years old and Philip is 23 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son).
Katharine F. Boyd.
48 Cambridge Terrace
W.2.
Embleton
Euston 1705
4 Cambridge Gate
Wednesday 1st January 1936
Rain, dark.
Phil normal. Mrs Campbell sent Iris to Phil. I out in rain to Dickens and Jones’ sale for bedroom shoes for Alys. To Liberty’s sale too. Back 12.45. Wet. Alys out in p.m. to see Belsize flat with Kit. Phil slept and then I read 25 minutes to him “Innocence and Design”. Pat Gibson came again to tea. Wrote Poz and Doz. Dennis out to Bulstrode after dinner.
Thursday 2nd January 1936
Dull. Mildish.
Phil normal (no Dr Aymer). Out to 48 Cambridge Terrace by bus. Washed and ironed there and Kit came. Talked. Back via Sainsbury’s to 4 Cambridge Gate. After lunch, sat with Phil. Knitted. He slept. After tea, out for Standard. Upstairs, knitting. In evening, Dennis did films of Switzerland and Aldeburgh and Debby and Ozzy. Phil suggested them.
Friday 3rd January 1936
Fineish. Cool.
Out to 48 Cambridge Terrace and tidied up. Took shoes – cobbler. Home to 4 Cambridge Gate. Lunch. Dr Aymer at 2.10. Alys out to tea with Sharpe’s at Duke Street. Phil normal (below all day) and good pulse. Cheerful. Slept all p.m. I knitted. Washed vest. Phil and Alys drew Dennis in evening – portraits. News on wireless.
Saturday 4th January 1936
Colder. Fine.
Phil normal and cheerful. To 48 Cambridge Terrace. Tidied up for Eva and Teddy. To rubber shop and Heal’s. Back to lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. After lunch, sat with Phil who slept all p.m. Didn’t listen-in to New Zealand v. England (England won). Teddy and Eva at 4. Tea. Supper. Teddy mended Wade’s chair. I did rubber part. Alys washed Phil’s pullover and all with Phil in evening. Colder. Eva and Teddy away to 48 Cambridge Terrace at 10.
Memo:
6th – 10.30 Burlington House; Lois.
Sunday 5th January 1936
Fine.
No joint for dinner, didn’t come! Alys and I in Baby Austin to Lyons’ and Schmidt’s for food. Phil 98.8. Eva and Teddy at 12.50. After dinner “Hors d’oeuvres” and spaghetti and eggs, Dennis told Teddy he could take Chrysler. I talked with Phil in p.m. No sleep. 2.20 till 4.20. After tea, dressed in Alys’ room and to supper at Ayrton’s. Alan there. Very ill looking and old. Graham Wilson and wife there too.
Monday 6th January 1936
Dull.
Evan here 9 a.m. Teddy to camps. Eva and I to meet Lois at Burlington House, Chinese – exhibition. All three lunched at Kardomah. With Eva to Army and Navy sale. Home to 4 Cambridge Gate. Sat with Phil. He didn’t sleep. Talked a little. Fruit from the Shearn’s in evening. All in Phil’s room. Eva slept with me, in Phil’s room. Phil normal.
Tuesday 7th January 1936
Heavy rain. Fine p.m.
Alys took Eva and me to Handy’s shop and other places. Then I home to 48 Cambridge Terrace for key. Fetched shoes. Took £100 out of Bank and put it in Post Office (Styer). Sat with Phil in p.m. He slept. I read 15 minutes. Eva played Casino with Phil in evening. He normal.
Wednesday 8th January 1936
Rain. Then finer.
Took Scotty out in Park and to Wool shop. Drizzle. Eva and Alys out to shops in car. Sat with Phil. X-ray at 2.45. Sat with Phil who slept, and then I read a little. Jigsaw. Phil normal. Alys and Dennis out to dine Savoy with Heanley’s and to see “Please Teacher” after. I read aloud to Eva and Phil; Stacy Aumonier’s story and Eva did jigsaw with Phil.
Thursday 9th January 1936
Dull. Very mild. Gale.
James to see Phil in a.m. Breakfast 8. I to Liverpool Street. Then at 9.55, Alan Baumer off to Jamaica. Elsa, Max, Edith and I with him to George V dock and on liner, R.M.S. Rangitiki, New Zealand line – sailed 11.15. We bus and train East Ham – Charing Cross. Elsa and I sandwich Arts Theatre Club. Home. Sat with Phil who slept. Read. Dr Aymer at 4.20. Bill Cave to dine. Eva to Buchanan’s to dine. Bill stayed till 10.30. All in Phil’s room.
Friday 10th January 1936
Fineish. Gale.
Up early. Alys took Dennis to Bulstrode; then fetched Eva and Scotty and saw Dennis. Eva and Scotty off by 10 train to Darlington. I with Kitty and Barbara to look at flats till 1. After lunch with Phil and read to him a little. Dr’s Aymer and Chandler at 6. Afterwards Phil was allowed to hang legs over edge of bed for 5 minutes, twice! With moccasins on. Alys, Nurse and I had dinner in Phil’s room. Read aloud Aumonier story after.
Saturday 11th January 1936
Dull. Mild.
Phil hung legs over bedside in a.m. and again at 7.15. Reading Glencoe Massacre. Alys and I to shops and get coal-scuttle for 48 Cambridge Terrace. I to Lewis’. Sat with Phil after lunch. He slept then we talked about Scottish history. Began grey and jade knitting. Alys, Nurse and I had dinner in Phil’s room. He very well and bright and good appetite. Alys and he did jigsaw in evening.
Memo:
8th X-ray
8th Dennis and Alys with Heanley’s.
9th Alan to Jamaica. Liverpool Street 9.55.
10th Dennis and Eva to Layton
10th Dr Chandler 6.15.
Sunday 12th January 1936
Rather foggy.
Dr Aymer came and said Phil might sit out in a chair! I walked to Lyons’, Coventry Street, to take dish. Bus back. Sat with Phil in p.m. He didn’t sleep. We talked about girls. At 4.35 Dennis, Eva and Teddy arrived from Layton. After tea, Phil in chair for 20 minutes. Dennis and Nurse Richards lifted him to bed again. Mattress turned, first time for 4 months! Berry’s and Scotty away at 8.40. We had news. Phil quite bright. 98.6 at 6 but down below norm at 10.
Monday 13th January 1936
Cold. Dullish.
Out with Alys who tried on coats. I on to 48 Cambridge Terrace to see about pictures for Birmingham. Gwen, Jean and Dick to lunch. James to see Phil at 1.45 so others didn’t. Phil sat in chair 40 minutes in a.m. He slept all p.m. I read “Murder in the Varsity” to self. Knitted in evening. All in Phil’s room. Cold.
Tuesday 14th January 1936
Cold.
Out with Alys in car to Harrod’s sale. I bought coat at Orton’s! Sudden, saw in window. Alys back at 11; I walked across Park (with jigsaws – 4 for 2/6!) Phil in chair doing jigsaw. Helen Watson at 1.45 till 2.10. Phil didn’t sleep. Talked and read. Dr Aymer at 4.30. Tom Gregson at 4.45. Had tea with Phil. (Alys bought coat at Peter Jones in p.m.). Alys and Dennis gave Becky and D. Sharpe dinner at Isola Bella. Nurse and I dinner in Phil’s room. He in chair 5.30 to 6.45 and stood up. Teeny steps. Sharpes here to coffee 9.15. Becky saw Phil- 3rd visitor.
Wednesday 15th January 1936
(no weather)
Out with Alys to shops. She fell down over curb. I on to Handy’s (Gilbert’s words book). Barber coming. Back by Bond Street. Bought 3 nightgowns at Evan’s. After lunch with Phil who slept till 4. He was in chair from 12.30 – 2. Had lunch there. Tea also and back to bed at 5.45 for wash and wash-out. Had been shaved in a.m. by barber! Dennis very late, out to case Benzecry. Projector nearly fell, so couldn’t have films. Grey Owl, who had hired. Listened in to Frankan and Nelson Keys.
Thursday 16th January 1936
Sleet and dark and snow.
Out with Alys in Baby Austin. Phil sick after breakfast (98.8 later). To take projector for new bulb. Back (us very wet) with her at 11.30. Marion Berry came and stayed lunch. I with Phil. He slept till 4. Talked. Otto to tea, and saw “for 5 minutes”. Phil hated it and although sub-normal after rest, up to 98.8 again at 5.45, so not up. Films of chameleon and frog and Mürren and Aldeburgh till 10.
Friday 17th January 1936
Cold. Fine p.m.
Out with Dennis in Chrysler. Posted films, changed can at Selfridge’s and bought wool. To 48 Cambridge Terrace and broke glass of picture. Back by Bourlet’s after lunch with Phil who didn’t sleep. Talked a little. Up and walked to chair with Nurse and me, but not leaning on us. Tea up. He wrote phone number list and shaved in chair. In bed at 7. Dennis back (with lost voice) and very tired. We all read Illustrated London News. Dennis told Nurse Lovell no longer needed as night nurse.
Saturday 18th January 1936
Cold. Slushy.
Out with Alys in car to shops (her back stiff) and to 48 Cambridge Terrace and took 2 pictures to Bourlet’s for Birmingham Exhibition. Sat with Phil, who didn’t sleep. Listened-in to England v. Wales Rugger. Grave bulletin about King 4.15 – cardiac weakness. Dennis back to tea (with Phil). All in Phil’s room, he in chair. Ironed hem of coat. Upstairs reading “Son of Richard Carden”. Looked at papers in evening in Phil’s room.
Memo:
14th Sent off Eva’s fur coat, bag and mat by train.
15th Grey Owl film
17th or / 18th 10 – 5 / 10 – 12.
Sunday 19th January 1936
Dull. Cold.
Listened-in 9.30 for news of King – no further bulletin. Nurse Lovell left. Wrote Aunt Bella, postcard to Ella. Alan in Jamaica. In car with Dennis to get eiderdown for nurse from 48 Cambridge Terrace. Walked in Park, snowy. Sat with Phil, who slept. Read and knitted. Dennis slept. Alys to Buckingham Palace for news. Alys and Phil played and L’attaque. Phil slept alone – 1st time in 4 months.
Monday 20th January 1936
Showers. Milder.
Out with Dennis to Great Portland Street. Walked to Green’s, 14 Bloomsbury Street for new spectacle frames. On to Lillywhite’s and Handy’s. Lunch and Phil had Dr Aymer 2 and X-ray 2.15. Rested. Doz to tea and saw Phil. She and I to U.C.H. 5.30 to see Grey Owl. Got his autograph. Late to dinner. All evening waited for news of King. No other news from B.B.C. nor S.O.S. nor weather. Listened-in till midnight. King died 11.55.
Tuesday 21st January 1936
Fineish. Cold.
Over to 48 Cambridge Terrace and got laundry. Bus back and bought tongue and loaf and brought back. Sat with Phil who slept. Nose-boil painful. Kit and Barbara in to tea (with Alys). All with Phil in evening reading papers about King’s death and King Edward VIII succession. Phil boil on nose painful.
Wednesday 22nd January 1936
Cold. Sleet in evening.
All listened-in to Proclamation of accession at 10. 41 guns fired (King’s age). Kit and Barbara in car at 11. Took me over to Chelsea. Sat with Poz (in bed) till 12.45. Kit arrived and took me back. Sat with Phil in p.m. He didn’t sleep, read to him 30 minutes. After tea, Dr Aymer came. I out with prescription for pimples (in rain). Alys and Phil played L’attaque. Nose still bad. John Hunter Brown came at 8.30 to see Phil. Roly called 7.30.
Thursday 23rd January 1936
Fine. Sunny.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace to measure windows and fetch grey and black clothes. Letter to K.H.D. Phil walked into dining-room and back! Sat with him in p.m. He didn’t sleep. Fed seagulls and talked about Tonbridge “Pre’s”. Alys to Poz in p.m. Phil’s nose better. Knitted belt part to pullover. King George’s body from Sandringham and in procession to Westminster Hall, from King’s Cross. Alys and Phil played “L’attaque” in evening. Alys pains and to bed at 10. Phil clothes on.
Friday 24th January 1936
Dullish.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace at 10. Mrs Harvey there cleaning. Electric meter man. I polished. Back to lunch. Sat with Phil. Knitted. He slept a little. He walked in to dining-room again after lunch. Wrote J.H.M. and Ethel, M. and Paul Faraday about Funeral view. Phoned Dorothy Barnard and Doris. Read papers and listened-in. News about Lying in State.
Saturday 25th January 1936
Mild. Fineish.
Out to 48 Cambridge Terrace and did odd things. All very busy preparing for Funeral Procession. Got beds aired, and food in for Berry’s. Sat with Phil. Teddy and Eva arriving to tea. Out to buy wool 7d after tea. Malcolm brought Riley car along. Teddy out in it. Dennis back at about 7 after all day at Wellcome Institute – Pathological Meeting. Doz to tea.
Memo:
20th 5.30 Grey Owl U.C.H.
20th 10 – 5 Bourlet, about 11 o’clock.
24th 10.30 – 12 Meet electrician – 48 Cambridge Terrace
20th “The King’s life is moving peacefully towards it close” every 15 minutes broadcast bulletin.
Sunday 26th January 1936
Very mild and fine.
Phil put clothes on – 1st time. On balcony and tea in dining-room for 1st time. Dr Aymer at 11. Dennis and I in Chrysler to 48 Cambridge Terrace with planks and drove route of Tuesday’s Procession and saw queue for George V Lying in State. Over Vauxhall Bridge and back to opposite Tate Gallery (at 12). Dinner, Eva and Teddy came. They away to Winchester in Riley at 2.30. Sat with Phil and knitted. He in to tea. Dennis to Bulstrode at 6.
Monday 27th January 1936
Showers. Mild.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey 2 hours to clean, wash window-paint. Bolt to clean windows. I worked hard also. Back lunch. In p.m. Alys and I in car with sherry and boxes to 48 Cambridge Terrace. After tea with Phil, and at 6 we took step-ladder to 48 and took Tony ‘s permit to Church Row. Dennis headache in evening. He and Alys to bed early. I with Phil till 10.25.
Tuesday 28th January 1936
Heavy showers. Sunny intervals.
Teddy and Eva arrived at 7 a.m. Winchester. Breakfast. Alys took Eva, Florence and me to Lisson Grove. Struggle to get to 48 Cambridge Terrace at 8.40. Doz there. Dennis and Teddy at 9.30. Freer’s and Buchanan’s. Viewed Funeral Procession. Elsa and Tony, Theo in after. We back in taxi to 4 Cambridge Gate. Sat with Phil after lunch. He in to lunch with all of us. Dick Peel and Bill Cave and Malcolm all in for tea or after. Phil in to tea. Teddy and Eva away at 8.30 to go back to Sheppey. Dennis and Alys to bed 10. I with Phil till 10.20.
Wednesday 29th January 1936
Dullish.
Dr Aymer early. Out with Alys and we fetched pictures from Bourlet, and to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Then to Brook Green with Eva’s spectacles and waited for them. To get her a case in Orchard Street and home to 4 Cambridge Gate. Sat with him in p.m. and knitted. He in to lunch and tea with us. Sat and listened-in to Boxing – Harvey v. Peterson (latter won heavy weight – kept championship).
Thursday 30th January 1936
Mild.
Out with Alys to High Street. To Selfridge’s for Eva and Teddy’s watch. To 48 Cambridge Terrace. Back and wrote Menie and Ethel. Phil on balcony all a.m. Sat with him in p.m. He in to lunch and tea with us. Bill Cave at 7 and dined with Phil. Alys to see No 5 lady about using lift. Alys and Dennis to dine with Cave’s at Café Royal. Nurse and I dined alone together. Will and Gwen came in here and all in Phil’s room till 10.20.
Friday 31st January 1936
Showers. Gale.
Out to High Street. Then to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Tidied up a bit. To Bank. To 4 Cambridge Gate. Phil doing nitromors on engine. Sat with him all p.m. Finished off green and grey jersey. Diana Galbraith to tea, and till 6.35. Home films in evening. Early Cholmley Gardens.
Saturday 1st February 1936
Mild. Fine.
To Sainsbury’s and Times Book Club for Alys and then walked to buy Model Railway News and to house-agents and back. John Hinton-Brown to see Phil (on balcony together) and stayed lunch. Sat with Phil in p.m. He excited about engine for sale. No sleep. Phil up 10 stairs. I threaded pearls, finished jade jersey and wore it. Alys and Phil played “L’Attaque”. I read Erewhon in evening.
Memo:
27th Bolt 11.30 Harvey 11.
King George’s Funeral 28th
Lois, Laurie, Ethel Miles, Doreen, Menie, Con, Malcolm Berry, Elsa, Tony, Theo, all failed to reach my flat for procession. Crowds too thick.
Sunday 2nd February 1936
Fine. Colder.
I over to Chelsea (wrote Ella, K.H.D. and Tades about King’s Funeral) and out a little walk with Poz (her 2nd). Back at 1. Phil on balcony and in to dinner. Sat with him but he didn’t sleep. Read “Sussex Magazine” – L.F.’s article”. Dennis and Alys to tea at Otto May’s new house. John Willis to tea here. Phil nitromors his engine after. 5.45 – 6.45. In Phil’s room reading papers in evening and “Are You Sure?”
Monday 3rd February 1936
Very cold. Fine.
Out to Baker Street. Bought weighing machine. Room 74. Saw Mr Gravestock about St John’s men. On to 48 Cambridge Terrace for letters. Back. Alys and Phil on balcony in “flying cape”. Sat with Phil (and put him to bed) in p.m. Alys and Nurse to see film of Funeral. Phil slept. Mollie Cave to tea and Kitty too. Read papers and listened-in “Stag Party” in evening.
Tuesday 4th February 1936
Very cold. Sunny.
Out to Selfridge’s for oats/ Bacon. Back at 12 and found Alys and Phil out!!! St John’s Ambulance Boys (relay men) carried Phil down and up stairs. Alys drove him to Spaniards. At 2 pm. Dr Chandler and Aymer and Dennis (Phil in bed). Consultation about future. I in Phil’s room. He didn’t sleep. Helen Wilson to tea. Phil heard about engine being sold and depressed about that and not able to drive a car for 3 months – Dr Chandler.
Wednesday 5th February 1936
Cold. Raw. Misty.
Phil very depressed all a.m. I to shops and 48 Cambridge Terrace. Phil on balcony. Boys didn’t come. After lunch, sat with Phil – he didn’t sleep. Read catalogues (twin Rly on island) Phil walked upstairs and looked in cupboard. Alys and I in Baby Austin to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Fetched bottles, sherry and stepladder back. Dennis doing calculations (wine) all evening. Phil too. Photos of King’s Funeral.
Thursday 6th February 1936
Cold. Sunny.
Out to High Street and back with tongue at 10.30. Kit called for me, and with her to Bowen and Mallon and new flat and lunch, Volta House. Alys and Phil out, and boys to carry Phil down and up. Kit took me back at 2 p.m. Sat with Phil (didn’t sleep). Alys to take Poz to dentist and to 6 Elm Park Road to tea. I tea with Phil and Nurse. To Shoesmith’s sherry party to view Queen Mary decorations (Chapel). Gilchik’s there. To supper with Lois. Phil had his first bath (6.30) I home at 10. Phil in good spirits. Leather coats.
Friday 7th February 1936
Very fine and cold.
Out to High Street and Selfridge’s (bought bath thermometer 1/9). To Cox’s, Holbourn. To Roberson’s, 99 Long Acre. Bought small paint-box with E.P’s money 19/6. Sat with Phil after lunch. He and Alys drove to Totteridge and he walked about 20 yards up there in a.m. He didn’t sleep. Dolly and John Willis 6 – 7.15. Phil upstairs! Dennis late. Molly Heanley cold and nose-bleed. Knitted hot bottle cover. Darned stockings
Saturday 8th February 1936
Very, very cold. Fine.
Out to High Street and Richoux and Selfridge’s. Tarts. Alys and Phil out to Mill Hill and met Elsa and Doris. With Phil in p.m. Knitted. He didn’t sleep. Alys to Bond’s and brought Märklin engine. Dennis at tea. Sore mouth and throat. He did figures all evening (not in Phil’s room) Phil had bath, sat in Alys’ room. Alys and I sat with Phil in evening. Excited about his Gauge 00 train. Dennis bed with throat.
Sunday 9th February 1936
Fine. Sunny. Very cold. N.E. wind.
Dennis in bed all day with sore roof to mouth. Didn’t smoke or wear teeth. Bread and milk. I sat on balcony with Phil and did 2 watercolour sketches of him. New paint-box. Quite warm in sun. Very cold wind other side of home. Phil quiet rest in p.m. Phil wrote postcard to Helen – his first to anyone but Eva. Sat in his room in evening.
Monday 10th February 1936
Very, very, very cold. North East gale. Fine. Some sun.
To Bond’s with Alys. On to Roberson’s, Cox’s , Roberson’s again and bought 1/6 paint box (Phil?) Back. Alys and Phil sat on balcony 25 minutes. I sketched them. Dr Aymer came 2.15. Sat with Phil who didn’t sleep. Alys brought back 8 little Swiss coaches. Phil delighted. Diana Galbraith called. Phil to bed 5.45. Wash out, and expected Ted for message (didn’t come). Dennis better. Read in evening.
Tuesday 11th February 1936
Very cold and no sun.
Too cold for Phil to go out. I to 48 Cambridge Terrace and Mrs Harvey came; cleaned up. Back via High Street for bread. Wore fur-coat. Gave Mrs Harvey old fur-coat and sent Minnie grey coat. Sat with Phil who didn’t sleep. Otto to tea and till 5.40. Phil had bath and Ted Dempster came to massage him at 7. Read papers in evening. Kit phoned about Anne Cummin’s death.
Wednesday 12th February 1936
Cold but sunny.
Up to Volta House and on to 71 Hillfield Court. Buchanan’s moving there. With Kit and Barbara till 12.30. Barbara drove me to 26 Compayne. Lunch with Miles and de Lazlo. Phil and Alys through Turnbull’s flat, out for drive. Back at 2.10. Sat with Phil. Mrs Quick and Diana to tea. Left 5.10. Phil painted engine. Margaret Cox to dinner. Malcolm Berry to see Phil about cars after dinner.
Thursday 13th February 1936
Cold. Fine.
I to 48 Cambridge Terrace and found had been fire there (alarm) in, cupboards under stairs. Fetched suitcase. James and Helen to see Phil (and on to Chinese Exhibition). Dr Aymer at 12.10. Phil on balcony. Sat with him, while x-rays 2.15 till 4.30. He painted engine, and bath. In Phil’s room till 10.30. Polly earache.
Friday 14th February 1936
Milder. Fine.
Wrote Minnie for rabbit. Wrote Aunt Bella. Out shopping. Bought calsalette granules Phil out, boys carried him, new one Wigg. Sat with him in p.m. Packed up after tea at 5. Went to 48 Cambridge Terrace for evening dress. Knitted hard (and packed) all evening. Phil’s things packed. Finally ironed new golf jersey at 11.15 p.m.
Sandbanks
Saturday 15th February 1936
Misty and showers.
Breakfast 8. “Goodbye” to Nurse Richards while washing Phil. Alys and I in Baby Austin at 9.25. Dennis and Phil in Chrysler at 10.15. Waited outside Southampton for them. All lunch at South-Western Hotel 1.40. On through Bournemouth. Arrived Haven Hotel, Sandbanks 4 p.m. Tea in lounge then Phil to bed. Temp 98 at 6 p.m. Pulse 86. Dressed. Dinner at 8.10. Alys and I with Phil alternately and in lounge with Dennis.
Memo:
Phil weighed 11.9 on 4th and 11 ½ on 11th fluid?
11th 10.30 or 11 Harvey to 48.
12th Kit moves to Hillfield Court. 71.
15th to Sandbanks?
Sunday 16th February 1936
Dull.
I out on sands with Dennis (first finished off my coat jersey). In Phil’s room and he dressed. All in Chrysler to Lilliput. Phil rested. Large lunch all together. Out to ferry. Phil’s walk. In car to Alum Chine. All rested on beds at 3.35 or 4. I wrote Doz at 5.30 and Kit. Alys sick, and in bed. Phil in bed for dinner. Dennis and I alone at dinner. Wrote cards – Eva and Florence Jones.
Monday 17th February 1936
Clear and sunny, then dull and gale and rain.
Alys well and up to breakfast. Phil up at 11.30 or so. All drove (across Ferry) to Swanage. Out on stone jetty. Phil too. Back by Corfe and Studland and Ferry. Phil rested 45 minutes. Lunch. Dennis and Phil rested. Alys and I in Baby Austin to Square (Woolworth’s) All tea in lounge. All out on front. Dennis and I walked by beach and Poole Harbour-side and South Lodge Cottage. Phil to bed to dinner. Very cold and raining there. In Phil’s room – Alys and I sat till 10. Hot chocolate for Phil. Hot bottles.
Tuesday 18th February 1936
Fine. Windy. S.E.
Phil up 10.30. All drove to West Bournemouth. Phil had haircut. We round Westcliff. All to Undercliff Drive and back by Boscombe Chine and Pier. In p.m. Alys and I to Westbourne, Whitting’s for shirt. Pitman’s shoes. East Cliff Hotels and Tollard Royal. Tea in lounge. All out to Wareham and flooded fords. Home, dark at 7. Phil to bed. After dinner in his room.
Wednesday 19th February 1936
Fine.
Wrote Amy Steel. To Pitman’s for Phil’s shoes, he in there. By Montdore to look for Sanatorium. Back. Lunch. Alys and I to Harbour Heights Hotel and looked, and booked rooms for 23rd. Back to tea (looked over studio flat too). Out in car and saw sunset. Phil rested, and I took his temperature (98.6) and pulse (80). He dressed, evening dress and down to dinner at 8 – 1st time since September 19th that he was down to dinner.
Thursday 20th February 1936
Perfect till 3.30.
At 10.30 all out to Square. I to Woolworth’s. Dennis took Phil to be seen by Hutchinson at Royal National Sanatorium 11. Alys too. Good report, after X-ray screening. To Winton and Wimborne and Crichel (very pretty). Back. 30 minutes rest. Out after lunch, and Phil rested in sand dunes. I sketched. Over Ferry. Tea at Swanage – Rose Tea Rooms. Back by Wareham and Poole at 6. Phil rested. We too. All dined at 8. Corinthian Bagatelle.
Friday 21st February 1936
Perfect. Cool.
Out, drove through Christchurch to Barton (Royal Marine Hotel) – inquired tariff. Dennis and Phil walked on cliff. Back, lunch, all out to Tolpuddle (1834 martyrs) and Piddlehinton. Phil rested in car. Dennis and I to church and village. Back by Corfe and Ferry at 6.30. Only just room on ferry. Read “National Velvet”. Dinner.
Saturday 22nd February 1936
Wet, then fine.
Phil rested in bed, as wet day, till 1. Alys and I to Westbourne for straps and charts. After lunch, fine and all to Weymouth and Portland Bill Lighthouse. Race very fine and rough. Out on Chesil Beach. Phil had his milk there. Back by Wareham and Poole, at 6.45. Lots of people at dinner (dancing). Dennis and Phil did Corinthian Bagatelle. Phil to bed 9.40 (too late). Temperature 98.7. Packed.
London
Sunday 23rd Feburary 1936
Bright intervals.
Packed. All out and sat on seat by sea and did “Are you Sure?” Lunch. Dennis tipped Kitty 30/-, Waiter 1.0.0., Headwaiter 1.0.0. Alys and I in Baby Austin, and Dennis and Phil in Chrysler. Up to Harbour Heights Hotel on Canford Cliffs. Then all to W. station and back by Westcliff. Tea at 8.8.8., Dennis and I off in Chrysler at 4.45. Dined at Pantiles, at Bagshot at 2.30. Arrived 4 Cambridge Gate 9.25. Dennis felt coldy. Took hot whisky, aspirin, medinal, rhinitis, cinnamon.
Monday 24th February 1936
Milder.
Dennis better. Doz phoned about Tades’ heart being very slow. I wrote Alys. Out to pay books and shop. To 48 Cambridge Gate. Back at 12.30. Lunch. Rest to Phil’s bank. Malcolm rang up. Rested on bed 45 minutes. To R.B.A. Art Club. Painted Russian woman. Lois there. Dennis back at 7.40 very coldy. He went to bed at 9.20. I phoned Alys and Malcolm.
Tuesday 25th February 1936
Dullish.
To shops. Changed things down to bedroom. To tea with Doz at Chelsea. Back 6.30. Eva and Teddy arrived 8.30 in Lancia (borrowed). Ford broken down. Dennis dines at Heanley’s at colded but all talked in Dennis’ bedroom. Cinnamon.
Wednesday 26th February 1936
Dull, cold.
After breakfast, Eva and Teddy to Lily about stove. I to shops, with Scotty and Park. Then at 11.15. I with Eva (who back) to buy hat for her – Selfridge’s, Lewis’. All lunch; then Eva to hair and dine. I to Old Vic to see “St Helena”. Met Slade “Anderson” and bought Buick for £2.2.0! Fuss with Mostyn about Offord’s bill and Malcolm bought in Phil’s Ford 10. Dennis was better. Eva and Teddy away at 9 p.m.
Thursday 27th February 1936
Warmer and finer.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace to meet gas-man for heater. To fetch Phil’s shirt and collars. To Times Library. Lunch at 4 Cambridge Gate. To Royalty Theatre to see “Catiline” (Ibsen). Walked back. Wrote Alys and Kitty. Doz rang up about Tades. Just back from Broadway. Dennis to dinner 8 o’clock. He and I in taxi to Leicester Square to see Wells’ film “Things to Come”. Crowds. To Arts Theatre Club to wait till 9. p.m. (8.30 too soon). 6/- seats in circle. Home 11.30.
Poole
Friday 28th February 1936
Dull. Cold.
To Lilian’s 10.30 Hair done. Back lunch. Packed up. Phoned Barbara and Maple’s. Wrote Kit. Tea. At 5.50 Mostyn brought Chrysler and took me to Lab. Dennis in and to Waterloo. Train 6.30 to Bournemouth West. Dinner on train 4/6. Alys in Baby Austin met us. To Harbour Heights Hotel, Canford Cliffs. Phil looking well. Talked in bedroom.
Saturday 29th February 1936
Very cold and showers.
All walked down to near flats. Alys fetched Baby Austin and we drove and walked to Ferry. Sat a little. Back to Harbour Heights Hotel. Phil rested. All p.m. expecting Malcolm Berry with new Ford. Read in lounge. Tea. Alys and Dennis out in Baby Austin to shops. Malcolm arrive at 5. Phil out with him then Alys in Ford 10 (Phil’s new open car)!! Great excitement. Malcolm away in Baby Austin.
Memo:
3rd return ticket to Bournemouth West.
25th Cousin Jeanie Buchanan died
24th David Low 8.15.
27th 10.30 a.m. 11.30 a.m.
28th Lilian 10.30.
London
Sunday 1st March 1936
Very cold. Hail, sleet and sun.
All out in new Ford. Dennis driving. Hail storm! Filled up with petrol. Back at 12.30. Phil rested. Also after lunch till 2.30. All out to Ferry. Phil was weighed (13 stone). To Langton Matravers and over Mrs Morgan’s Cottage. Rain! Back to tea at 5.15. Packed. Dennis and I away 6.55 for Bournemouth West. Alys took us in Ford. Dinner on train, arrived Waterloo 9.38. Taxi to 4 Cambridge Gate. Filled hot bottle.
Monday 2nd March 1936
Cold and dull. Damp.
To shops, after packing Alys green silk dress. Posted it to her. Lunch. Marie away at 3.30. Wrote Alys. Nell Sime with tickets. Tea, and to R.B.A. Art Club. Painted. Looked at W. I. Exhibition and bought catalogue. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Dennis in at 8. Both sat in drawing-room! Fire there again. Sent off book to Alys.
Tuesday 3rd March 1936
Cold and dull.
At 10, Chesterfield came. At 10.30 2 Maple’s men came and moved Phil’s bedroom furniture back to his room and the drawing-room things back, till 12.35. Tipped 4/6. Out to High Street and Selfridge’s (La Toja to Eva 2/3 paid) Woolworth’s. Back lunch. Went on tidying up with Florence all p.m. Tea. Finished “See how they run”. Phoned Doz. Wrote Alys. Dinner at 8.10. Dennis late. Read and listened-in to News and knitted.
Wednesday 4th March 1936
Milder. Dull. Foggy.
Made bed with Florence. To Shaftesbury Theatre to book stool. To 48 by 11 o’clock. Mrs Harvey there till 12. Took up rugs, washed floor. Back, paid books in Albany Street. Lunch 12.45. To Shaftesbury Theatre by tube. Pit to see “Promise” with Ralph Richardson. Very good. Home. Read. Washed gloves. Dennis back 8.20. All evening we did counts of Lab work under about 40 headings till 10.35 or later.
Thursday 5th March 1936
Sunny.
To High Street and Smith’s and Selfridge’s. Then to Good Intent, King’s Road. Lunch with Doz there in Brasserie. 2/-. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Then at 3.15 to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Fetched frock and sketch books. Tea at 4 Cambridge Gate. Changed hat (beret) trimming. Dennis in at 8. Dinner. He to Heanley’s to do more work on lab expenses. I knitted. Listened-in. Dennis in at 10.30.
Friday 6th March 1936
Fine day.
To Piccadilly, Kardomah. To Mattamac’s. Bought “windjammer” coat saw in window on way down. To 48 Cambridge Terrace. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Lunch. Sewed Dennis’ Burberry and my tweed bag all p.m. Dennis in very hurried at 6. Changed to evening dress and out to dinner – “Barber-Surgeons” with McNee at 6.15. I listened-in and knitted. Stayed awake till 12.10 to Dennis about phone.
Saturday 7th March 1936
Drizzle and mist.
Up at 6. Breakfast 6.30. Dennis and I off at 7. Arrived Canford Cliffs at 10.25. Drizzle. Out ½ mile walk with Phil and Alys. In car to Ringwood. Back 12.30. Rest. Lunch. Phil rested in p.m. Tea 4. John Charles to see Phil. Alys and Dennis out for walk. Phil and I talk and “Hockey” game 1d. All evening dress. Up in Alys room (fire). To bed 10.20.
Memo:
5th Meet Doz “Good Intent” 12.50
2nd March Marie goes?
3rd March 10.30 Maple’s men.
4th 11 a.m. Mrs Harvey to 48 Cambridge Terrace
6th Dennis to Barber’s (McNee) dinner.
4th “Promise” 2.30
London
Sunday 8th March 1936
Misty. Showery.
Drove in Chrysler to Blue Pool and Creech. Back by Wareham. Rested in p.m. Packed. Away (paid my bill 18/6) at 4. Dennis drove Phil in Ford. Alys drove me in Chrysler. To Keyhaven. Tea at Harewood House and Miss Gordon showed us rooms. Dennis and I drove to London. Dinner at Pantiles at 8. Home 9.45.
Monday 9th March 1936
Dull. Rainy.
To High Street and Selfridge’s (dustbin). Kit called and took me to lunch at her flat. Dr Aymer to see Kath. I to Arts Theatre to see “Cold Comfort Farm” 2.30. Very good. Roger Livesy. To R.B.A. Art Club 5. Miss Matthews as Lois guest. Home. Dinner at 8. Read about War news. Locarno. Listened-in.
Tuesday 10th March 1936
Very mild.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace. 10.20 Waiting for Davis’ for rugs. Wrote Alys. Back to lunch. Out ot town. Noel Coward’s play (only 8/6 so didn’t go) Back via Sainsbury’s and to get stool at New Theatre at 4.30. Home. Supper at 6. To New Theatre at 6.50. In queue. Saw Romeo and Juliet – Gielgud, Olivier, Edith Evans, Peggy Ashcroft. Dennis with Heanley’s.
Wednesday 11th March 1936
Cool again. Grey.
To Times and Woolworth’s. Washed Phil’s yellow cardigan. Took prints out of frames. All p.m. looking after cardigan, mending Alys lampshade and doing chair-seat – horsehair on balcony. Dennis back 7.35. Read “Star Studded” and listened-in.
Thursday 12th March 1936
Cold. Grey.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace and took frame and glass to Bryce Smith’s. Shopped and back to lunch. Out to Embassy (walked to Primrose Hill) to see “Wisdom Teeth: Florence to Ives”. I finished off chair seat by 7.45. Dennis rheumatic back. To bed 10.
Poole
Friday 13th March 1936
Dull. Very cold.
To King’s Cross with egg-box. To 48 Cambridge Terrace and my Bank and H&C for meat. To Albany Street – paid books. Lunch. Packed. Washed vest. Tea. Knitted. Dennis back at 6.30, changed and both of us off at 7 in Chrysler. Ate sandwiches and beer about Wentworth. Batteries wrong and had to stop at garage, Southampton-ish. Arrived Canford Cliffs at exactly 11 p.m. Harbour Heights.
Saturday 14th March 1936
Dull, a little sun. Cold.
Dennis’ 55th birthday. Dennis and Alys took Chrysler to Lansdowne Road, back in Ford. Then all in Ford to Alum Chine. Dennis, Phil and I walked down to sea! Alys brought Ford round. Drove back. Phil rested. Lunch (I sketched from balcony 12.30 to 1.10). At 3 all in Chrysler (which Dennis and Alys fetched after lunch) to Langton Matravers. To Cox’s where tea with Mrs and Mrs Raymond Morgan. Dalmatian “Robin”. Back via Affpuddle and saw Culpepper’s Dish. Wonderful moorland road. After dinner, sat in bar and gambled 6d machine. Mr and Mrs Durward there and Patricia.
Memo:
9th Arts Theatre
10th Davis’
12th 2.30
London
Sunday 15th March 1936
Dull on whole. Cold.
Packed. Left Alys packing, while at 11 or so Dennis, Phil and I to Ferry. Across in motor-boat (3d each). Walked on sands towards Shell Bay. Back at 12.15. Phil rested. After dinner, all to Keyhaven. I with Dennis in Chrysler. Alys and Phil in Ford. Left Ford and suitcases at Harwood House. All in Chrysler to London. Arrived 4 Cambridge Gate about 7. Phil and I up in No 5 lift. Supper. Phil to bed. Unpacked. Tired. To bed 9.30.
Monday 16th March 1936
Fine. Milder.
Phil up at 10.30. I sat with him on balcony. Alys in Baby Austin to shops after lunch. Phil rested. I to Times library. Kit called. Dr Aymer at 3.15. Tea 4. Alys, Phil and I in Baby Austin to Tottenham. 48 Lordsmead Road. Saw Mastiff puppies (Vincent showed them). Bought one male, aged 3 months – brindle. £12.12.0. Home. Up in No 5 lift. Dinner. “Are you sure?” News. Left puppy at kennels.
Tuesday 17th March 1936
Fine. Milder.
Eva arrived unexpectedly. Dennis took Phil and Alys to Dr Chandlers at 11. Phil had 3 pints fluid taken away. Eva and I to shops. All lunched at 1.20 (Dennis too). Nurse Richards called. Alys to Victoria with Eva (4.5 train). Phil quite bright. Did “Quins” from Standard till 9.30. Dennis out to see Sir Bernard Spilsbury till 11 (very ill).
Wednesday 18th March 1936
Fine. Mild.
In and sewed ribbon in tweed (new coat). Helped Phil, shaving things and dressing. Both sat on balcony till 1. Alys to have hair done. Phil rested on balcony all p.m. Alys and I to choose lampshade and dressing-gown (Dennis) and coat for Alys – mackintosh. Phil did my bead clasps. All listened-in “Dr Johnson” and news in Phil’s room. Dennis late in. Dublin prawns.
Thursday 19th March 1936
Mild. Fine.
Dr Aymer 10 to see Phil. I out to Lewis’ to buy belt for Alys’ new coat. Ribbons, buckles too. Lunch (Phil on balcony in a.m.). Chose shades (lamp). Alys and Phil and I in taxi – Waterloo. They by 3.30 train to New Milton (for Keyhaven). I got flowers and back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Took them to Mrs Turnbull at No 5. Wrote J.H.M. and Mrs Vincent about puppy. Dennis home at 8.40 p.m.
Friday 20th March 1936
Very mild. Dull.
Lois called for me 11. To Christy’s with Fantin-Latour picures. To Gainsborough Exhibition at Sassoon’s House. Wonderful. Lois took me back at 1. Lunch. Out to 48, taking frame and glass. Back via Selfridge’s (dressing gown) and Woolworth’s – paid books in High Street. To 4 Cambridge Gate and out again to R.W.S. Private View. Adrian there, and out to tea with him at Arts Theatre Club. Home. Tired. Paid books in Albany Street. Listened-in 9.30. and to bed 10.
Keyhaven
Saturday 21st March 1936
Mild. Fine. Dull later.
Breakfast 8. At 9, Dennis and I in Chrysler to Keyhaven. Arrived 12.10? Alys and Phil out, but in at 12.30. In Phil’s room till 1.30. Lunch. Alys and I talked downstairs. Others rested. Tea in bedroom 4. Out in Chrysler to beach and on to Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard and back by Lymington. Read, knitted. Dinner 7.45. Sat in small drawing-room till 9.30. News.
Memo:
16th 5.30 To see a man about a dog.
17th Phil to Chandler 11 a.m.
18th 2.15 Managers’ Meeting – Mansfield Road.
20th J.H.M.’s birthday
20th R.W.S. Private View. Gainsborough Exhibition with Lois and Fantin-Latours.
London
Sunday 22nd March 1936
Rain and cool and windy. Hot and fine in London.
Out in Chrysler in rain to Pennington and Lymington. Rested after dinner in sitting-rooms. Tea in bedroom. Out for 10 minutes. Walk in pouring rain. At 6 o’clock Dennis and I away via Romsey. Lost way. Supper at Kingsworthy Court 4/- each. Very good. At Kensington got into crowds of Oswald Mosely and Communists and turned off to Brompton Road. Arrived home 11 p.m.
Monday 23rd March 1936
Warm. Showery.
To shops. Woolworths for collar. Wrote Alys. Lunch. To R.B.A. Art Club at 4.45. Lois there. Mrs Macmillan. Painted Italian man. Tired in evening. Dennis in at 8.40!
Tuesday 24th March 1936
Very fine. Warm.
With Dennis to Labs. On to shops and to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey 11 – 12.40. Lunch. To Bryce Smith’s and King’s Cross, Selfridge’s, Lyon’s. Back tired at 4. Blaine arrived 4.30. Tea. Knitted. Wrote Alys. Dennis in very late.
Wednesday 25th March 1936
Very fine and warm
Poz phoned that Tades died in night. I out to show Blaine London sights. Lab, BBC, Horseguards, Westminster, Buckingham Palace. Back 1, to lunch. Florence took him to Zoo! I to Army and Navy – suitcase for Dick May’s 21st. Over Albany Court? New flat. Dennis in at 7.45. Poz phoned again. Wrote Aunt Bella, Alys, Eva, Teeds.
Thursday 26th March 1936
Rain. Cooler.
Breakfast 8. Dennis and I in Chrysler led Blain in Baby Austin to Great North Road, Barnet Bypass. To Times library and to Dianthus, ordered “wreath and spray”. Lunch. To Embassy Theatre 2.30 Nell Moir there (instead of Doz) “Emperor of Make-Believe” (Hans Andersen) by Madge Pemberton and Malcolm Morley. Blaine phoned. Arrived Layton 8 p.m. Dennis rang up Alys.
Friday 27th March 1936
Fine. A few showers.
I to Paddington. 10.15 train to Broadway (with Doris, Laurie and Eric – car from Moreton (12 o’clock). To Fair View. Doz and Lucy. Saw darling Tades in her coffin. Lovely. We 4 lunched at Mrs Reece-Price’s. Doris and I in her car to Church. Funeral at 2. To Fair View. Talked. Teeds and us 4. Tea. At 4.15 car to Moreton in Marsh. 4.50 train to Paddington. Home to 4 Cambridge Gate 7.15. Phoned Poz after dinner. To bed 10.10.
Keyhaven
Saturday 28th March 1936
Fine.
Packed suitcase. Started off about 12 (Dennis coming back from Lab). And had sandwiches on the way. Went via Slough, Maidenhead, Reading, Newbury and over (got lost and went by Nether Wallop). Romsey. Arrived Keyhaven 4.15. Tea. Out to see the Queen Mary in George V graving dock (dry). Dinner. Talk, and I slept in Alys’ room. Very wild and wet at night.
Memo:
24th Blain to come
25th Show him London
2.30 Vincent or Tuesday 31st.
24th Harvey 11 o’clock.
25th 2 till 4 Polling 18 Soho Square. Universal Beneficent Society. Result Times 26th
27th Aunt Ada’s funeral 2 pm.
26th Dick Mays 21st
Embassy Madge Pemberton 2.30.
Gave Mrs Harvey 10/- on 24th
London
Sunday 29th March 1936
Rain and gale.
All out in Chrysler to Knightwood Oak. Largest tree in New Forest, and Roman Bridge? Rain! Lunch. Read in sittingroom. Tea in Phil’s bedroom. “Are you Sure?” Dennis and I in Chrysler at 5.15, started. Back same route via Newbury. Dinner at Skindle’s, Maidenhead 7/6 per head. Bulstrode House 9.45. Dennis to see patient at Dempster. Home 10.
Monday 30th March 1936
Dull. Mild.
Out with Dennis. To Sainsbury’. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Looked out maps. Lunch. To Selfridge’s for puzzles, papers, toffee. On to Fred Barnard’s (Doz and Poz). Tea there, to hear Doz’s pipe band. Away 5.30 to Mildmay Hospital, N.1. to visit Roly Sandeman. Harry Blaikley and David Blaikley there. Home at 7.30. Dennis out to Mrs Sweeney after and Lab and back at 11.15.
Tuesday 31st March 1936
Mild.
To 48 Cambridge Gate. Back. Wrote Aunt Bella. Lunch. E.B. phoned about Boxing Tickets. Given away!!! Out to Tottenham, 48 Lordsmead Road to talk to Mrs Vincent about mastiff puppy. Saw him. On to Shea’s and home at 5. Tea. Wrote Alys and Phil and E.B. and “Albert Hall” and 5/- for Mrs Whittington. Dennis in about 8.15.
Wednesday 1st April 1936
Rain.
With Dennis to Lab. Shops. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Made and ironed collar for new tweed coat and ironed Phil’s jersey. Worked till 3. Out to Bond’s – sent Model Railway News off. To Golders Green .Rain, thin coat! To Sissie’s. Tea with her – took it to her bedroom. She lumbago. Back at 7 to 4 Cambridge Gate. Dennis in 8.15. Read and listened-in. Dennis did files and circling cases. Knitted.
Thursday 2nd April 1936
Dull. Cool.
Wrote Blain about mastiff puppy’s food. Menie rang up (on West Hill). To Kentish Town and Hollywood Estate to No 5 Makepeace Mansions. Saw Christina’s new flat 11.20 – till 12.15. Back to lunch (walked from Mornington Crescent). Walked to Primrose Hill – 189 bus on and to Embassy Theatre. Trudi Schoop and her ballet. Quite good. Knitted all evening on Phil’s sleeve. Dennis in at 8.40.
Friday 3rd April 1936
Very cold. Dull.
Out with Dennis, ordered vests for him at Selfridge’s. To 48 Cambridge Terrace. Took 2 portraits to Shea’s (for London Portrait Exhibition). To Woolworth’s (Tottenham Court Road). Lunch. Phoned Dennis about Eva and Teddy’s return. Out to see Beatrice How’s pictures at Walker Galleries (after Morisot) and Claude Monet’s at Tooth’s. Home. Tea. Knitted. Darned. Read. Dennis in elated about Vitamin C and diabetes. He did three files of cases. I knitted. To bed 10.30.
Keyhaven
Saturday 4th April 1936
Very cold and dull.
Dennis back at 11.20 and he and I off at 11.25. Lunch on way down in car, after Newbury. Snow on hills!!! Arrived Keyhaven at 3.45 or 4. Tea. All out to Christchurch, after a short walk along dyke and back by road. Dinner. Jigsaw with the McCrae’s (of Erin Manor, Burgess Hill and Eredale Abbey, Yorkshire). And Alys talked to Mrs Mervyn (artist ) – Polytechnic.
Memo:
2nd To see Christina
2nd Embassy Theatre Ballet 2.30.
3rd Vincent 2.30.
30th Tea Elm Park Road and piping after.
London
Sunday 5th April 1936
Very cold. Dull.
When Phil up at about 11, all drove to Forest to find the biggest beech tree (High Ash?). Back 12.45. After lunch, sat and read paper and talked. Tea in Phil’s room. Dennis and I off in Chrysler at 5.25. Dinner at George in Reading. Not very good. To Bulstrode at 9.50. Home 10.10.
Monday 6th April 1936
Very cold. Dull.
To my bank. Back to phone Alys about Dennis; coat. To King’s Cross for tickets. To Peter Robinson’s. Met Kit there and had snack lunch with her. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. At 4.15 Alys and Phil arrived in Ford. Phil walked up the stairs, sitting on chair at each landing. Tea. Phil rested on bed till dinner. Dennis back at 8. I went to see Roly.
Tuesday 7th April 1936
Very cold and dull.
Packed a bit. Sat on balcony with Phil, who chose names for puppy. Alys to have hair done. Lunch. Phil rested. I to 48 Cambridge Terrace for clothes, and Woolworth’s. Alys to shops. Paul Davis to tea and with Phil till 7.10. Phil told me about Helen (finished). Alys and I packed things. Dennis back at 8 with 3 files to sort and herrings in sample tin from Heanley’s, Norway.
Wednesday 8th April 1936
Cold. Fair.
Phil and Alys walked to Chandler’s. Dennis there at 12. I packed. Lunch (Phil walked upstairs). Alys away in Phil’s Ford car at 2.30. Monty Mostyn helped pack it. Phil rested. I to Albany Street shops. Very tired. Tea. James Campbel came to it. I poured out, and then packed all Phil’s trains and puzzles. Dennis in at 8. Dinner. Alys phoned from The Olde Belle (past Retford). I made Phil’s chocolate, and took his temperature.
Richmond
Thursday 9th April 1936
Fine. Cool.
Eva and Teddy arrived 10.30. Dennis to Bulstrode. Phil and I in taxi to King’s Cross 10.35 for 11.20 Pullman to Darlington. Mastiff puppy in guard’s van. Put in by Vincent’s. Lunch on train and to guards van twice and stayed from Leeds to Harrogate in there with puppy. Alys in Ford and Blain in Armstrong at Darlington at 4.55. To Layton. I with pup and Blain. Phil with Alys. Tea. I introduced Ozzy to pup. Dennis and Eva and Teddy arrived 6.45? Pip given to Dennis. Dinner (didn’t dress). To bed 9.45. Tired!!!
Friday 10th April 1936
Cold. Some sun.
All in garden. Dennis and Teddy doing pond. Phil about, and rested on lilo on camp-bed by porch. Before and after lunch. I sat and knitted there all p.m. and Zeus on seat. Dennis and Teddy played Slosh.
Saturday 11th April 1936
Snow and sunshine.
All out to little quarry with dogs. Very cold winds and sleet. Phil rested out doors and Zeus on seat again in a.m. Teddy drove Eva and me to Richmond to shop in p.m. New Woolworth’s there! Bought lead and radiostoleum and ironing board and nails.
Memo:
8th Phil to Chandler 12. Dog ticket 7.9
9th To Layton 11.20 Pullman 3.55 Darlington
Sending in day London Portrait.
3rd return £1.19.0 each 4/1 each Pullman.
Sunday 12th April 1936
Cold. Snow showers.
Out in garden. Played golf croquet. Sewed sleeve in Phil’s jersey. In p.m. read. Very cold and snow showers. Dennis and Teddy doing rockery island. Jigsaw begun. In billiard room in evening. Dennis, Teddy and Phil played Slosh.
Monday 13th April 1936
Cold. Snow showers.
Took Zeus on lead. Alys and I to Darlington in Baby Austin to get “short”. Teddy and Eva with Cooper and Smith to shoot rabbits. I ironed Phil’s jersey. Phil and Teddy in top room. 3 men and Eva played Slosh in evening.
Tuesday 14th April 1936
Rained all day. Cold.
Eva and Teddy off at 9.30 in Chrysler (to Cambridge Gate and picking up Ford from there). We all in garden, but very wet indeed. I up in top room after tea with Phil. All in billiard-room in evening with fire. Dennis and Phil played Slosh.
London
Wednesday 15th April 1936
Dull. Cold 5 minutes sunshine.
Dennis and Cooper and Barber planting primroses. Phil rested outdoors, after walking round garden, de-ivying. I packed in p.m. After tea, at 4.15 Blain in Armstrong with Dennis (driving) and me to Darlington. Train 5.27 to King’s Cross. Dennis and I had dinner on board at 6.30. Arrived 10. Taxi to 4 Cambridge Gate. Florence there. To bed.
Thursday 16th April 1936
Cold.
I out to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Found Varnishing Day ticket for London Portrait Society. Got red tweed suit and back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Out to shops in High Street. Met Kit at Peter Robinson’s for luncheonette. To Waterloo with her. Barbara arrived from cottage. To 4 Cambridge Gate. Wrote Alys. Dennis not back till 8.40 (patient ill). Listened-in to News. Read “Sense and Sensibility”. To bed 10.50.
Friday 17th April 1936
Cold. Sunny.
To High Street and on to Burlington Galleries, Varnishing Day of London Portrait Society. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Washed things. After lunch to Victoria and Albert Museum – Private View of Eumorfopoulos Chinese collection. To Albert Hall for tickets. To Science Museum to see gramophones. To tea with Poz (taxi there). Away at 6.45. Dennis rang up Layton.
Saturday 18th April 1936
Cold.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace. To Matinee of “England Expects” at Embassy Theatre. Walton Hudd. To Russell’s for 3 carnation plants 1/- each. Home. Dennis in at 7.30. (tea at Heanley’s). Lab.
Memo:
17th Varnishing Day, London Portrait’s.
Sunday 19th April 1936
Very fine and sunny. Cold wind.
Dennis to Bulstrode. Back at 11, and we off in Chrysler to Minster. Arrived 12.45. Dinner with Teddy and Eva and Scotty. Talked till 3. Out in car to landslip and walked there. On beach. Back to tea at Bide-a-wee. To Bunion’s and then to London. Dined Chinese Restaurant. To Bulstrode. Lab; blood count on Mrs Legros. Home at 10.
Monday 20th April 1936
Rain. Cold.
Dennis wrote Alys. Out with Dennis to High Street. To W.H.Smith’s and walked back. Income Tax reclaim papers. Lunch. Taxi (as drenching rain) to Burlington Galleries. Private View – London Portrait Society. Lois, Susie and Miss Curry, Ingles (Slade), Adrian. Back to tea and did watercolour portrait; and read “Sense and Sensibility”. Dennis in at 7.55, daylight!! Mrs Vincent called for muzzle and chain – Zeus.
Tuesday 21st April 1936
Cold.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace and spent time tearing up things (desk). Back late to lunch, as electric clock not Summer Time. In p.m. sewed and cut out black and red crêpe de chine blouse. Dennis in at 8. Read in evening and listened-in Budget. 3d more on Income Tax 4/9! Depressing. Neville Chamberlain on wireless 9.45. Dennis was called out in night.
Wednesday 22nd April 1936
Very cold. Sun and snow.
To Army and Navy Stores about stamp catalogue. To St James’ Theatre to try for pit, but too full. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Very hurried lunch, and back to Pall Mall 54 to auction at Foster’s. I till 5. My little Fantin picture sold for 12/0. Home to tea 5.30. Wrote Alys. Dennis in at 8 to hurried meal and out at 8.20 to consultation with Dr Isaac Jones on Mrs Legros. I listened-in to Atlee on Budget.
Thursday 23rd April 1936
Cold. Sunny a.m.
To Ward’s Gallery – Claude Flight’s show. To Sissie’s. She in bed. Talked to Nell, who called. To Lois – lunch with her. Together to Institute Show. Pictures and pottery. On to King’s Langley to Pauls’ bungalow. Michael Roger, Paul’s and Norman (blue eyes). Tea. Back 7;10. Changed and Dennis called and we to dine at Heanley’s, Charlbert Court. New wireless. Home at 11.35.
Friday 24th April 1936
Dull.
Took 2 Prout drawings to Mr Garrod at Room 71, Victoria and Albert Museum. On to see Poz and Doz. Back to lunch. To 48 Cambridge Terrace for things. Sent off Income Tax reclaim. Packed suitcase. Dennis in at 8.50 to dinner. Mrs Legros very bad, but still we are going – if possible.
Richmond
Saturday 25th April 1936
Fine. Warm.
Off with Dennis in car (and chauffeur) to Lab and Bulstrode. Caught 10 a.m. train King’s Cross to Darlington. Lunch on board. Read “Gaudy Night”. Met by Alys and Phil and Blain 2.20? Alys and I in Baby Austin. Others in Ford. About gardens at Layton. Played croquet (Phil played two games). Dinner. In billiard-room. Slosh. Oranges in Alys and Dennis’ bedroom.
Memo:
Private View April 20th London Portrait.
23rd Private View Ward Gallery. Paul Faraday’s with Lois and Golder’s Green show.
22nd Pride and Prejudice with Lois 2.30.
Sunday 26th April 1936
Fine and warmer.
About in garden. Dennis and Cooper planting on rockery. Dennis fell and hurt shoulder. Stone rolled. I sat with Phil (on deckchair with stool for feet). Phil on his bed, tired, all p.m. After tea to see ‘Coates’ cottage. Slosh in billiard room in evening. Dennis and Phil playing. Oranges in Alys’ bedroom at 10.
London
Monday 27th April 1936
Fine and mild.
Packed. Breakfast 8.45. At 9.10 all in Phil’s Ford. Dennis drove, I beside him. Dennis and I by Silver Jubilee “Silver Link train. 10.45 from Darlington. Lunch on train. Arrived King’s Cross at 2. Taxi (as no Mostyn with Chrysler) to 4 Cambridge Gate. Dennis changed and to Lab. I to Selfridge’s and china shops for soup-cups. Tea at 4 Cambridge Gate. Wrote Alys. Dennis in to dinner, and out to consultation at 9. In at 11.
Tuesday 28th April 1936
Fine. Warm.
I to High Street and on to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey at 11. Tidied bed and trunks under bed and wardrobe shelves. Sent parcel to Doris Freer. Lunch 1.40 at Cambridge Gate. Knitted – on to grey and green jumper. Wrote Alys and Eva. Sewed black and red blouse. Out for paper. Dennis in at 8.10. Quiet evening reading.
Wednesday 29th April 1936
Warm. Finer.
Out to High Street with Dennis. On to Selfridge’s to order soup-cups. Home, via Evans’. Lunch. Sewed, finished off black and red jumper and ironed it. Also shortened and ironed hem of red and black tweed. Out for paper and wrote Alys. Dennis in at 8.15. Read and listened-in. Sore throat.
Thursday 30th April 1936
Fine and warm.
Sore throat, so wrote Roly instead of going. Sent chocolates and bagatelle. To 48 Cambridge Terrace. Fetched clothes – black coat and jumper frock. Lunch. To Haymarket Theatre to see “Storm in a Teacup”. Roger Livesey. To R.B.A for 15 minutes. To Arts Theatre Club and wrote Alys. Home. Cut out check sleeves. Dennis in at 8. Riener, read. Dennis rang up Alys and Phil at 9.15. Then out to Legros. I to bed 10.30.
Friday 1st May 1936
Cold and grey.
Very colded. Nasty throat. To South Kensington to fetch Prout’s. 15/-. Looked at sketch-books by Prout, A.W. Rich, Sir Ernest George and De Wint. Home to lunch – 4 Cambridge Gate. Sewed in p.m. Sleeves to check blouse. Dennis in at 8.15. Read after dinner. Didn’t listen-in. Dennis slept in chair. To bed 10.15.
Saturday 2nd May 1936
Cool. Sun in late p.m.
To Bond’s and Hobbies. Bought perforation counter at Anton’s, New Oxford Street for Phil. To Lewis’ and bought wool dress. Home to lunch. Altered dress at waist. To 48 Cambridge Terrace. Fetched neck pieces. Back to tea. Dennis only in at 7.30 and out again, to Lyros but back at 9.30 or so.
Memo:
1st To Victoria and Albert Museum 10.30 – 11 for Prouts
28th To 48 Cambridge Terrace 11 a.m. Mrs Harvey
30th Theatre or see Roly?
Sunday 3rd May 1936
Fine but cold, dull in a.m.
Walked with Dennis through Regent’s Park to Bulstrode. Waited there. Walked back. Lunch. Read papers – ”Are you Sure?” At 3 off to Bulstrode again (Legros) and on to Bickley. Tea and supper at Cave’s – “Pat” (R.A.F.) there and all family except Dick. Back to Legros at 10. Home and filled bottles.
Monday 4th May 1936
Very mild.
To High Street and to Selfridge’s. On to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Got clothes for jumble sale (Medical Pschycology). Back to lunch at 4 Cambridge Gate. Cut out chintz curtain pieces. To Malet Place with box of clothes. On to London Portrait Gallery. Chocolate Ice at Lyons at 4. To R.B.A.. Looked at Show. Art Club at 5. Painted watercolours in 30 minutes room. Dennis in at 7.45. Read and listened-in. Eva rang up.
Tuesday 5th May 1936
Hot. Fine.
Eva at 10.15 and she and I to Debenham’s, Marshall’s, Lewis’ (where she bought a frock and 2 blouses) and she to lunch at Lab. I to London Portrait Society – fetched 2 pictures, away in taxi, to 48 Cambridge Terrace. To Evans’ for Vogue pattern for Eva. To 4 Cambridge Gate. Eva and I had tea. I with her to Victoria. Off by 5.15 to Queenboro’. I back by tube. Dennis in about 8 and out again to Mrs Lyros at 10.
Wednesday 6th May 1936
Hot and fine.
Florence’s 36th birthday. I to St James’ Theatre at 9.50. Took 2 pit queue stools. To Foster for money. To Kodak’s (for Eva’s film), to Penberthey’s and Selfridge’s (with E’s clock) and ordered china for Layton. To Sainsbury for guinea-fowl. Back, very tired and hot for lunch 12.30. Off to St James 1.30. Met Lois there. Saw “Pride and Prejudice” Very good indeed. Home. Florence out to “Dominant Sex” with my pass (Gladys too). I cooked asparagus from Layton. Dennis in and solemn supper. He out at 10 to Mrs Lyros.
Thursday 7th May 1936
Very cool. Sunny in p.m.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace and fetched coats, frock, blue frill. To 4 Cambridge Gate, Kit called at 12.50 and I to lunch with her at 71 Hillfield Court. Together to Embassy Theatre to see “Return to Yesterday”. Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies. Kit took me home. Out for flowers. Wrote Alys. Dennis in at 8.15 with Ernest Miles and Miss Smith to talk Layton affairs. He out to see Mrs Lyros at 10.45 and at 5 a.m. when she died.
Richmond
Friday 8th May 1936
Cool. Grey.
To High Street with Dennis. To Chaplin’s. To 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey and Metesco. Cleared drawers. To lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. Phone message that Berthe Morisot Exhibition at Knoedler’s 2.30. Dennis and I to King’s Cross by 5.45 train to Darlington (no room on Silver Link). Dinner on train. No-one to meet us, wrong telegram sent from Lab. Dennis phoned and Alys got out of bed and came in Phil’s car at about 11.
Saturday 9th May 1936
Dull. Cool.
Dullish. In garden and I undid Phil’s pullover and knitted it. Sat with Alys in sitting-room all p.m. After tea, we put 7 goldfish and 4 small brown fish into big pond. Billards. Phil and Dennis (Slosh).
Memo:
5th 10 a.m. L.A. Sub Committee
5th London Portrait – remove.
6th Pride and Prejudice
7th Embassy. Return to Yesterday
8th 48 Cambridge Terrace – Metesco and Mrs Harvey 11.
Sunday 10th May 1936
Very fine and warm.
Lovely day. Sat and got very sunburnt by front door. Made up paper for Zeus to fetch. Dennis did gardening. Sat and knitted. Alys too in garden. Alys, Phil and I to see new papers in Blain’s new home (coated 300 year old cottage). Slosh after dinner.
London
Monday 11th May 1936
Fine and warm.
Alys and Blain in with Dennis and me – Armstrong. Ella to Layton. Dennis and I by 10.42 Quicksilver? Lunch on it. King’s Cross. 2 p.m. To 4 Cambridge Gate. Had early tea. To R.B.A. Sketch Club. Painted (Mrs Copley in other room!) till 5.50. To Lyon’s for chocolates. On by 14 and 73 buses to see Roly. Talked to Matron. Roly’s kidney’s bad. X-ray tomorrow. Lungs too. Pat (Hatty’s boy) there. Home 7.35. (Dennis back 7.30. Very coldy and ill.)
Tuesday 12th May 1936
Warm.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace. I got tax money and to Bank with it. To Smith’s library and High Street. Lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. To Phoenix Theatre to see Noel Coward’s 3 playlets – Ways and Means, Fumed Oak and Shadow Play (music and dance). Back to tea. Did chintz curtains, with Florence. Dennis in at 7.20. Better. Listened-in news. To bed 10.30. Rang up Alys about Chandler.
Wednesday 13th May 1936
Warm and fine?
Finished one curtain. Sent off Eva’s nightgowns. To Woolworth’s for chocolate. On to Chelsea, lunch with Doz. Poz at Zoo with Kit. Back 3. Kit took me to Wigmore Street. I to buy Greenly’s book for Phil. Home. Wrote Alys. Did up book. Out to post it and to Reynold’s about book and Bath Olivers. Home. Wrote Nell Sime and Alan. Florence out. I got supper. Fish-pie. Listened-in news. Alys rang up at 8 o’clock.
Thursday 14th May 1936
Warm and fine.
Out with Dennis. To Sainsbury’s and Times Book Club and Selfridge’s (strawberries for Roly). Back by 30 bus. Sewed chintz curtain. Lunch. To see Roly at 2. Stayed till 2.30. Home to 4 Cambridge Gate. Finished off curtain, tea. Out to get paper and sat in park reading. Dennis in 7.45 or so. He read Jean’s book. He rang up Alys; she was going to ring us up. Phil in bed, still with cold.
Friday 15th May 1936
Warm and fine.
Out to Sainsbury’s with Dennis. On to Lillian 10.45 – 12.10 or so. To Kardomah. To Handy’s shop. To Morisot after Knoedler’s (lunch at Milk Bar – 7d egg, milk and chocolate ice cream). To King’s Cross 2. Met Ella on Jubilee train. With her to Sissie’s. To Lois. Back tube to 4 Cambridge Gate. Alys range up.
Saturday 16th May 1936
Hot and fine.
Out to sale at Medical Psychology, Malet Place at 11. Bought suit (for Blain?) 7/6. Padded dressing jacket 7/6, blue check blouse 2/-, scarf 6d. To Schmidt’s for cake. Taxi back. To 48 Cambridge Gate for my driving license. To Redline garage. Met Dennis and Pat Sandeman (from Edinburgh). Out in Dennis’ new Standard Car with L on it via Hyde Park Corner to Hampstead, on to Highgate. Back by Sissie’s (called in for 10 minutes – Ella there). Tea at 4 Cambridge Gate. Dennis and I back to Vauxhall Bridge Road with them (Pat in Chrysler). To Barkston Gardens. Left them. Home to dinner. Alys rang up (or we did). Phil better. Alys sending specimen – sputum.
Sunday 17th May 1936
Hot and fine breeze.
Wire from Berry’s 10.15. I wrote Alys. Dennis to Bulstrode. Called for me at 11.15. We to Minster. Dinner via Eva and Teddy. Teddy gardened. Did “Are you Sure”. Sat in garden. Tea. Out to get water-weed for snails. In both cars to “Laughing Water”. Dinner there. Then Dennis and I on, and Eva and Teddy back. In at 9.35. Ran up Alys. Phil better.
Monday 18th May 1936
Very hot and fine.
To 48 Cambridge Gate. Got their clothes. Washed things at 4 Cambridge Gate fir.st Lunch. Wrote Phil. Sent off 2 books to him. Met Lois at Graphic Arts Exhibition. Tea with her at Ridgways. To R.B.A. Art Club. Painted. Mrs MacMillan took us back in her car. Dennis back, very tired, but Phil’s sputum negative – Alys rang up.
Tuesday 19th May 1936
Hot and fine. Windy.
Eva up, at about 10.45. Met her Selfridge’s. Shopped, back to lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. She to Lab, and with Dennis to Dempster about her back. Dennis and I left her at Victoria 5. On to the Flower Show at Chelsea. Crowds. Home after Bulstrode and Lab, at 8.15. to dinner. Rang Alys up 9 o’clock.
Wednesday 20th May 1936
Warm a.m. Very cold evening. 70 to 50 degrees.
With Dennis to High Street. Paid books there. Sent books. To Times Club. To 27 Compayne to lunch. On with Ethel to Managers’ Meeting at Haverstock Hill. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Out again to Foyle’s, to sell and buy. To Maple’s about bookcases and garden tables. Dennis home at 8.30. To Bond’s and on to Alan Baumer’s to dinner at 9. Home 10.45.
Thursday 21st May 1936
Cold. Windy.
Wrote Ernest Blaikley. To Connell Gallery to see Hesketh Hubbard’s pictures. Bought patterns and seersucker stuff. Lunch. To Embassy. Saw “Chastity, my Brother”. Back to tea. Sewed. Washed gloves. Dennis back 7.50. Rang up Alys. 8.15 Listened-in news.
Richmond
Friday 22nd May 1936
Cool.
With Dennis, then to 48 Cambridge Terrace with my fur-coat. Put it away. To King’s Cross for reservations. Lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. Packed. Dennis at 5 in car and chauffeur. Off to King’s Cross. Dennis and by Quicksilver 5.30. Non-smoker. Lunch-car. Had dinner board. Hot (dirty if open window). Arrived Arlington 8.48. Blain met us, and in Armstrong, daylight, to Layton 8.15. Phil in bed. All in big bedroom.
Saturday 23rd May 1936
Cool. Dull.
Phil up after breakfast. We round garden. Ozzy off at Elgy’s all day. Zeus with us. Watered rockery and other plants. Knitted Phil’s pullover edge longer. All in Phil’s room in evening. He to bed after dinner (Dr Woodsend called before lunch).
Memo:
18th Met Lois Graphic Arts 3.30.
20th Lunch – 26 is my Managers’ Meeting
19th Flower Show 4 p.m.
22nd to Layton 5.30 train
20th Alan’s 8 p.m.
21st Embassy Theatre – My Brother
Sunday 24th May 1936
Rain all day.
Out in garden. Dennis planted out things in potting-shed. I planted forget-me-knots and cowslips on Debby’s grave. Got very wet. Dinner. Read paper and in sitting-room with Zeus. Others upstairs resting. Alys and Denis in billiard-room after supper. Phil and I in bedroom.
London
Monday 25th May 1936
Cool. Warmer in south.
Phil up to breakfast, dressed for 1st time!!! All of us and Blain to Darlington and took 10.42 Quicksilver. Sandwiches in 1st Class carriages. All 1st class tickets. Arrived King’s Cross 2. Chrysler home. Unpacked. Phil rested. After tea, I to see Roly who still in bed at Hospital. Betty Buchanan there. Home to 4 Cambridge Gate (via Euston to ask about trains).
Tuesday 26th May 1936
Warm and fine.
Alys out to get hair done 10. I with Phil. Alys back 11.30. I to 48 Cambridge Terrace and Bank. Lunch alone at 4 Cambridge Gate. Phil to see Dr Burrell 12.30 and lunch at Zoo with Alys and Kit. I cut out green spotted dress. Phil rested at Zoo on Fellows’ Lawn. And to Dr Chandler 4. Back to tea with Alys and me. Alys out to shop. Began sock for Teddy.
Llanfairfechan
Wednesday 27th May 1936
Cool. Dull. Fine evening.
Off at 9.30 to Euston. 10.30 train to Llandudno Junction. Potted meat on train. Changed and to Llanfairfechan. Arrived 4.8. To Pen-y-Bryn Hotel. Left suitcase. To Bryn y Neuadd. Saw Edward (Martin there, Atkinson out). Saw Dr and Mrs Starkey and their garden. Sketched in field. Sausages at Hotel. Knitted and listened-in. Talked to two men, who had been up Snowdon. Mrs Birch had a sister-in-law to help. Tipped her 2/-.
London
Thursday 28th May 1936
Cold.
Breakfast 8.15 (Bill 6/9 ½!). Train 9.28 from Llanfairfechan, changed Chester. Train 11.27 to Euston. Sandwiches, apples. Arrived 3.10 Euston. To 4 Cambridge Gate. Tea 4 p.m. To 48 Cambridge Terrace. Fetched pattern and oil-paints. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Cut out tweed skirt. Very tired. Dennis back 8.15. To bed at 10 (Alys and Phil to Layton at 1 o’clock by train).
Friday 29th May 1936
Milder. Sunny.
Early to High Street. Shopped. On to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey too, at 11. I machined and ironed grey tweed skirt, also red cotton peplum. Got bread and butter and had Marmite at 2 p.m. Worked till 4. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate for tea. Finished skirt. Packed. Dennis in at about 9. Dinner. Listened-in to news and Boumphrey on canoeing on Severn.
Richmond
Saturday 30th May 1936
Cold. Heavy rain at times.
Called at 5 a.m. breakfast and off by 6.15 in Chrysler. Ate sandwiches at 11.30, past Wetherby. Arrived Layton 12.45. More lunch with Alys and Phil. Dennis and I slept till about 4, from 2.15. Tea, out in garden. Very cold. Dinner. Knitted. To bed 10. Wrote Ella before 5.30.
Memo:
25th Portrait pose. To Sissie’s 12 to lunch
26th L.A. Sub Committee 10 a.m. Noel Coward 2.30?
29th Edward’s 60th birthday.
27th Peter died 1935
29th Gielgud (New).
Sunday 31st May 1936
Sun and showers. Very cold.
Dennis planting water-lilies with Cooper. Took photographs with old camera. Rained a good deal. Alys and I helped with stones till 3.15. then in Phil’s car to the Courage’s place at Kirby Fleetham to see garden rockery. I wrote to Dorothy. Posted Scotch Corner stamps for Phil – “Are you Sure?” Knitted.
Eva and Teddy’s 1st wedding anniversary.
Monday 1st June 1936
Cold. Sun and rain.
Took Zeus a walk on lead in fields. He rolled in cow-dung. Dennis and Smith did rockery and Dennis in pond combing weed all p.m! Wrote Mollie Cave congratulations on engagement to Pat Hadow. Knitted dock and Illustrated London News in evening.
Tuesday 2nd June 1936
Cool. Thundery rain and hail.
Took Ozzy on lead, in garden. To top room getting old portrait of Henry to paint on. Pouring rain all p.m. so men couldn’t put Phil’s hut up. Wrote Metesco. After tea, all out along East Layton Road with dogs. Ozzy off lead. Alys and Dennis billiard-room after dinner. Phil and I in sitting-room.
Wednesday 3rd June 1936
Pouring rain all day and very cold.
I took Ozzy out on lead twice. Alys and I to Richmond in Baby Austin and when back, Alys taught me to drive. After lunch, she took me out again in car, to East Layton. Turned in road there; changed gears. Read. Knitted. Wrote to Roly Sandeman. Alys and Dennis in billiard-room. Phil and I stamps and book.
Thursday 4th June 1936
Rain till 1.30. Cold.
Still raining and very cold. To fetch paper with Zeus. Alys took me out in Baby Austin at 12. To East Layton and back. Letters from Doz, Kitty, Aunt Bella. After lunch, sewed and then Alys and I again in car; learnt to reverse, and out in Watling Street twice. Dennis potting-shed, aubretia’s. Ozzy calm again. Alys and Dennis billiards. Phil stamps and early to bed.
Friday 5th June 1936
Fine. Sun. Wind.
Fine! Sunny! Had two more driving lessons from Alys. Dennis supervising Phil’s shed being put together. Phil drove Alys and me to Richmond. Got my photos and to Darlington for coffee. Helped Dennis with water-plants, after tea. Dr Woodsend and Mrs Woodsend and Elizabeth to dinner. Phil to bed 9.30. In billiard-room 10.50 till nearly 12 (Dance in Granary).
Saturday 6th June 1936
Dull. Milder.
Dennis doing new rockery with men. 2 Gold Orfe came from Perry’s and 12 snails. Alys and I in Phil’s car to Darlington with the Baby Austin’s brake-drum (broken). Phil rested in his hut in p.m. I did Oats. Wrote Madame Roefs about her Mother’s death. Wrote E.P.D. about Cyrus’ death. All in billiard-room in evening and Dennis and Phil played Slosh till 10.
Memo:
6th Ada Cole stables garden party.
Lobster patties and cheese balls.
Cyrus H. McCormick’s death, in Times June 5th
Radiostoleum 4.6 (4/- at Dennis’ chemist).
Sunday 7th June 1936
Fine.
With Dennis by pond, handing him earth. He wading in top pond. “Are you Sure?” at dinner and at 2.20. Alys and Dennis off in Chrysler to London. Phil rested in hut. I in Baby Austin alone, practising. After tea, both in Baby Austin to post letters at Scotch Corner (goes 5.20?) lost it, so on to Darlington where it goes 8.25 or 30. Slept in Alys and Dennis’ room.
Monday 8th June 1936
Fine. Warm.
Phil with Zeus to fetch paper. I on seat. Walked in gardens. Did flowers. Out in Austin all around, practising 12 – 12.35, and again for 5 minutes in p.m. Wrote Alys. Blain to Richmond for paint, in Austin. Phil and I did glass-scavenging in wood. 2 baskets-full! We had tea in hut and stayed out till 9.25. Stamps and knitting.
Tuesday 9th June 1936
Hot and fine. Breezy.
Began net. Phil under deodar and I painted him (oils). We took photos. Phil on lilo in same place all p.m. I sewed (lost thimble) and wrote Alys. Blain painting hut. Tea on lawn. To garage with Phil, and Zeus and Ozzy. Picked up glass. Out in Austin with Phil, me driving. After dinner, Phil scummed pond.
Wednesday 10th June 1936
Dull, drizzle, then fine.
Did flowers. Phil to fetch paper with Zeus. He did stamps. I out in Austin 12.15. Backed in garage from both sides. Finished 1st sock (Teddy’s). Washed pink bodice. Tea; and then Mr Booth came, so another tea at 4.30. Phil wrote Alys and Dennis hurriedly. Took Zeus to garage and he into Armstrong alone, for toast. Stamps and knitting by fire in evening. Alys and Dennis phoned at 8.15.
Thursday 11th June 1936
Fine. Warm. Breezy.
Phil on deck-chair under Wellingtonia tree. I painted him. Ironed red bodice. At 12.45 I out in Austin to East Layton and back!!! Alone. Phil rested on lilo under tree and I painted Ozzy and background. After tea, we in Ford to Richmond; posted velvet coats, got films. Later to greenhouse as “Night Flowering Cactus” out and picked flowers.
Friday 12th June 1936
Rain, or dull all day.
Phil and Zeus for Times. Wrote Pamela about engagement. Then Phil in hut. I picked flowers and in Austin to East Layton at 12.15. All p.m. doing flowers too. Phil rested in hut. Tea indoors. With Zeus to garage. Knitted in hut. Phil did stamps. After dinner, at 9.15 Dennis and Alys arrived by Silver Fox. Blain met them 8.42, Armstrong.
Memo:
13th 8.30. Dennis – Hiawatha?
10th Wrote Ethel Miles
11th Mansfield Road. Prize-giving 2.15.
Saturday 13th June 1936
Rain or dull.
Dennis up at 7 and to York with Blain in Armstrong to a Bacteriologist Conference. Wrote Doz. Alys, Phil and I in Ford to Darlington to Horse and Dog Show. No mastiffs to our disappointment. Back at 12.15. After tea, I drove Austin, with Alys to East Layton Post Office via Watling Street. Dr Woodsend and boy called (left hat). Dennis back at 5.45. Dennsi and Phil played Slosh, Phil won by 9.30.
Sunday 14th June 1936
Rain/ Mostly dry.
Zeus 7 month birthday. Fine early but soon clouded over and showers or heavy rain. Dennis at pond and in pond. He and Phil planned stream and 2nd pond. Alys and I made 2 cushion covers. Phil and Dennis played Slosh after dinner. Dennis won by 9.30.
Monday 15th June 1936
Fine and Rain showers.
Alys and Dennis away at 10 a.m. in Ford (to be left for 2000 miles overhaul) and Blain in Austin to take Ford to Agent. Phil cleaned my Ensign camera. I did flowers till lunch. After Phil rested. I took Austin to East Layton Post Office. Wrote Aunt Bella. Tea in hut. Phil and I for walk, with dogs. Wrote Tony Ayrton. Phil dissected the dead Orfe. Indoors in evening. Knitting and stamps.
Tuesday 16th June 1936
Heavy showers and some sun.
Phil mended my zip on wind-jammer. I drove to Forcett and back by Collier Lane, by myself! Washed and ironed handkerchiefs and made frill on red cotton collar in p.m. Out with Phil in Austin after tea (indoors) lesson on “double-de-clutching”, gear-changing. Phil and I out to hothouse several times. Night flowering cactus had ten blooms.
Wednesday 17th June 1936
Fine. Very windy. Dull.
Penny and I to Richmond in Ford. Took Alys’ coat, Phil’s red shoe, Zeus collar. I to East Layton in Austin practising double de-clutching. In p.m., planted more things on Debby’s grave and cut grass there. Very hot. Wrote Alys and postcard to Lois. After tea, in hut, I covered old canvas and painted in Harry Embleton’s portrait (mocking moustchios). Out to hothouse for 17 blooms – cactus. Sat on lawn till 9.30, midges! Phil felt sick and shoulder blade pain.
Thursday 18th June 1936
Hot and fine
Fall of soot in sitting-room, amd it had to be cleaned. Did flowers. At 12.30, Phil on deck-chair on edge of wood. I, by Watling Street (1st time alone) to East Layton and to Forcett, turned under railway arch and home. Sewed vest, indoors. Hot. Phil rested on lilo on lawn. Wrote Alys. After tea again by Street to East Layton and back. Soot fell again and I cleaning upstairs all evening and in study. Zeus had worm pills and was miserable. Jackdaw in chimney.
Friday 19th June 1936
Hot and fine. Breeze.
I in Austin with Blain (11) to Richmond. I drove back from Zetland Gate (highest). In p.m, Phil in hut. I sewed in sitting-room after flowers. Wrote Alys. Another jackdaw and soot in Mrs Cooper’s chimney. At 6.30, I to Kirkland’s and got 3 gallons Shell 4/6. Phil and played golf croquet after dinner.
Saturday 20th June 1936
Very hot and fine.
Phil got his car out of garage and we went to Ravensworth for shaving-soap. Later I practised in Austin. Starting on hills. After lunch, flowers. Telegram from London “All four coming”. Tea in hut. Phil and I in Ford by Whorlton. Dinner in hut till 10.30 when Dennis and Alys, Teddy and Eva and Scotty arrived in Chrysler. All out to see 19 night blooming cacti.
Memo:
“Down, neutral, up, down, thru’, up”
16th L.A. Sub Committee 10 a.m.
19th Prize giving 11 a.m Haverstock.
Sunday 21st June 1936
Hot and fine.
Wandering about, by pond in morning. Took snapshots.
“Are you sure?” at dinner. At 2.30. Dennis and Alys, Teddy and Eva away in Chrysler. Scotty left with us. Phil rested 3 – 4.30. I also on grass by pond. Stamps and in wood with dogs and orchard. Tired. To bed 9.30. Ozzy and Scotty slept with me.
Monday 22nd June 1936
Rain and dark.
Thunderstorm from 5 till 8 a.m. Took Scotty out at 6.15. Rubbed Phil’s spots on back. After 12.15. to East Layton by Street and round Forsett Park. Rested in p.m. Read “The Saint Goes On”. Wrote Alys. In hut in rain. After tea, but in house to tea and after dinner, with fire in sitting-room.
Tuesday 23rd June 1936
Fine a.m. Dull later.
In garden. At 12.15 to East Layton Post Office and back in Austin. Prepared oats. Wrote Alys, Lois, Lucy, J.H.M. Read in p.m. After tea, Phil and I in Austin and brake bumpy so back. Took dogs rabbiting. Sat in hut till 8.45. Then indoors till 10.
Wednesday 24th June 1936
Perfect day. Hot and breeze.
Phil and I in Ford drove to Ronaldkirk and back by Barnard Castle. After lunch, rested till 3. Then in Austin to East Layton Post Office. Couldn’t start her, so phoned Layton and Phil and Blain came in Ford. Painted in wood at 5.20 till 7. Rook fell dying. Gave Scotty. Oil in evening. Alys phoned at 9.
Thursday 25th June 1936
Dull. Cooler.
Up at 4.15 with Scotty! Ozzy refused worm capsule so at 10.15. Phil and I took him to Hill and Bartholomew’s – left him there; On to Dr Fothergill’s. Phil x-rayed; back to get Ozzy. Home. Rest and watching Ozzy all p.m. Results! Did flowers too, all p.m. Wrote Alys. Ozzy on lead till about 6. Phil put specimen from him in alcohol (head of tapeworm?) stamps and knitting in hut till 9.30.
Friday 26th June 1936
Perfect day.
Up at 6.15 with Scotty. Phil on lower lawn and I painted him on deck-chair, till 1.15. In p.m, I went on painting there till 4. After tea, walked in garden and then painted in wood. Phil brought me cigarettes to keep flies off. After dinner, sat in hut (after picking roses) and Alys and Dennis came (by Silver Link) at 9.15.
Saturday 27th June 1936
Very fine.
Zeus rolled in mess, when fetching newspaper. Alys and I washed his neck. I out in Austin at 11.45. Round by East Layton and stopping on hill. Then painted a bit in bachelor’s room and packed a bit. In garden, tea in hut. Alys and I in Austin to East Layton. Alys felt sick in evening and ate nothing much. In billiard-room, after dinner, till 9. Scotty slept with me.
Memo:
25th To Dr Fothergill 11 a.m.
23rd Sent film to Chester.
Sunday 28th June 1936
Fine. Breezy.
Tied tapes on rhododendrons to identify ugly ones. I out in car practising starting on hills; did poorly. In p.m. read and finished packing and got tiny room cleared for Ella. Out in Ford with Alys and Phil at 6 to Caldwell and back by Beck and Collier Lane. Curlew? All in billiard-room in evening
Monday 29th June 1936
Dull and rainy.
Gave Blain 2/6. At 10, Dennis and I in Armstrong to Darlington. Silver Link at 10.40. Lunch on train. Arrived 2. Mostyn with Chrysler to 4 Cambridge Gate. Bessie (temporary maid) and Florence. Out to Post Office with Alys’ vest and re-arranged things (as Eva and Teddy had been in my room). Sewed black skirt (shortened and ironed it). To bed about 10.10. Listened-in. News.
Tuesday 30th June 1936
Wind and dull, mild.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace at 10.30. Mrs Harvey at 11 till 12. Moth-hunt. At 1.20, saw Ella off at King’s Cross to Darlington. Tube to Kit’s and lunch with her. She took me back. I to Selfridge’s later. Home at 6 and packed books in hamper for Layton. Dennis in but out again at 8.30 till 9.45. Dennis gave Mussolini a salt bath. Knitted.
Wednesday 1st July 1936
Dull and mild. Fine later.
With Dennis to Lab. Eva rang up from Littlehampton – Head and eye bad. To Sainsbury’s, to Holtzapffel and to Selfridge’s. Ordered toaster 27/6 for Alys, at Layton. To Tooth’s Gallery to see Stanley Spencer’s paintings. To London School of Motoring. 47 Victoria Street. Lunch with Poz and Doz. Home. Wrote Alys and K.H.D. Dennis late in, and out again til 11 – Bulstrode. Whitcomb. Eva rang up at 8 p.m.
Thursday 2nd July 1936
Cool and grey.
In all a.m. Washed things and sewed. Lunch early and to Swiss Cottage. Paints at West’s. To Central Motor Institute to fix a drive. To Embassy Theatre. Saw “Professor Bernhardi” – Sofaer. Home via Smith’s and Babcock’s. Sewed. Dennis in at 8 and out again to Bulstrode. Sewed green spot dress and listened-on. To bed 10.45.
Richmond
Friday 3rd July 1936
Showers and fine.
Card from Eva. Still pain over eye. Out to Motor School, Finchley Road at 9.30. Out for 1 hours driving with Mr Rogers in Austin 10 (1934) 12/6, up Fitzjohn’s, back Mill lane. To 48 Cambridge Terrace on way home. Lunch at 4. Packed and darned. At 5, Dennis came, and we to King’s Cross. Gwen, Mollie and Nancy there. Dennis, Gwen and I by Silver Fox 5.30 to Darlington. Dinner on way. Blain met us. Will already at Layton (via Halifax). In greenhouses to see cactus. Eva had rung up twice.
Saturday 4th July 1936
Fine on whole.
Alys 52nd birthday. All in garden most of day. I out in Austin (with Scotty only) round Forcett Park. Phil and Gwen to Ravensworth in Ford. Knitted and read. Wrote Eva. She rang up at 8.15. Champagne and strawberries. Dennis, Will, Gwen and Alys – Slosh in evening. Phil and I to bed about 9.45.
Memo:
29th Ella?
3rd 9.30 Cave’s?
4th Write Eva
E.P.D. this week
30th Mrs Harvey, 48 Cambridge Terrace 11 a.m. Gave her 10/-.
Sunday 5th July 1936
Fine.
Washed gloves. All in Ford and Austin to hill opposite, and walked. Dennis and Will to the Beacon. After dinner, Alys and I with letter to Wycombe. Others rested. Packed. Zeus took sirloin off kitchen table. Slosh in billiard-room in evening.
London
Monday 6th July 1936
Fine-ish.
Dennis, Gwen, Willy, Scotty and I with Blain 10.42 to Darlington. Silver Link to King’s Cross. Eva and Teddy at 4 Cambridge Gate. I with Eva at 3.30 to U.C.H. where Trotter saw her. Teddy asleep. Tea. They had bath. Wrote Alys. Teddy to see his father. Dennis, and birthday dinner for Eva. Then Dennis out again at 9 and Berry’s away.
Tuesday 7th July 1936
Very hot. Heavy.
Dennis took me to Baker Street. To motor place for Driving Lesson 9.30. Back at 10.50. To Royal Academy Music to met Teeds by 30 bus. Back to lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. Taxi to New Gallery. Film Lois Pasteur. To Selfridge’s to tea. To Hyde Park Corner and put Teeds on bus. To book stool (for “Seagull” at New Theatre). Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Supper. To “Seagull” 7.30 2nd row pit. Dennis to dine Pen Club and talked to Wells (guest of Professor Yetts – DE).
Wednesday 8th July 1936
Fineish and windy.
To Lilian at 10 for hair. To Badcock at 12.30. Lunch at 4 Cambridge Gate. Rang up Alys at Layton about dogs. All p.m. washing, ironing and cutting out cotton frocks. To 48 Cambridge Terrace and to my bank. Dennis in at 8.10 or so. Kitty phoned. News.
Thursday 9th July 1936
Heavy rain. Cool.
Out with Dennis. To Times book club. To Mr Ainsworth who began 2 front teeth 10 – 10.45. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Out to Ernest Miles’ to meet Teeds. Taxi with her to 4 Cambridge Gate. Lunch. Taxi to Globe Theatre. “Call it a Day” dress circle. Tea at Lyons. Saw Teeds into 14 bus. Home to 4 Cambridge Gate. Tried on Eva’s green frock. Dennis home at 8.30 and out again.
Layton
Friday 10th July 1936
Rain.
Dennis back at 11 with Miss Gray and Miss Smith and all in Chrysler to Layton. Lunch at roadside (clay and mud!) cakes at Newark or Retford. Arrived at 6.30. Dinner. Talked and early to bed.
Saturday 11th July 1936
Fine. Sunny.
Wandering about. I took Austin to East Layton and back after lunch. Croquet. Miss Gray slept on seat in sun all p.m. Dennis took her round later. Slosh in billiard-room after dinner.
Memo:
7th Met Teeds at R.A.M. 12.30
Badcock 8th 12.30
8th Lilian 10
9th ? Teeds
10.15 or 2.30
London
Sunday 12th July 1936
Fine a.m. in north. Rain after.
Wandered about. Showed kitchens. Played croquet. At 2.30, Dennis, I, Miss Gray and Smith left all in Chrysler to London. Tea and supper en route in rain. Very skiddy and on fatal accident at cross-roads.near Child’s Corner. Arrived, tired at 10.30 or so.
Monday 13th July 1936
Fineish. Very windy.
Walked to Baker Street, Smith’s. To libraries and shops. A lot of pinning and sewing on green spot dress all p.m. To R.B.A. Art Club. Lois there, and motored me back at 7.30. Dennis in with headache at 8.20. Doz phoned.
Tuesday 14th July 1936
Dull. Cool.
Dennis took me to Ainsworth’s. Front teeth filled. To Woolworth’s and Selfridge’s (oats for Eva). Kitty to lunch. Sewed and talked after. She took me to Sissie’s (via 71 H.C.). Tea in back bedroom with her. Miss Alment there. Home to 4 Cambridge Gate at 7.30. Dennis in at 8.10.
Wednesday 15th July 1936
Mildish.
to 48 Cambridge Terrace at 10.30, via Sainsbury’s. Mrs Harvey there. Gave her 10/- and we found moths. Did dressmaking. Back to lunch at 4 Cambridge Gate. Back to dressmaking at 48 in p.m. To shops and late tea at 4 Cambridge Gate. Florence out. Bessie did dinner. Dennis in at 8.15. Tried 30 minutes to phone Layton and got on finally.
Thursday 16th July 1936
Mild.
Kit called for me at 9.30. To Bedford College. To Almoner’s Conference – Dr Ernest Barker and Miss Cannon, speakers. Also Dr Cabot. To King’s Cross and Bond’s. Lunch King’s Cross with Kit. To Handy’s shop (Bee book). To 4 Cambridge Gate. Changed. Wrote Phil and to Poz and Doz to tea. Back 7.30. Dennis at Maidstone for consultation. Back at 11 p.m. (Lady Baillie’s gardener’s baby).
Friday 17th July 1936
Hot and windy.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace and sewed. To Lois’ to lunch. Looked at German photos. She drove me to Golders Green. Back to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Machined things. Hurried tea at 4 Cambridge Gate. Wrote Alys. Out to Boot’s and changed book. Tired, sewed. Dennis in at 7.45 and out again to Bulstrode. Bessie left.
Saturday 18th July 1936
Gale. Warmer.
With Dennis to High Street then to Bond’s about Phil’s things. To 4 Cambridge Gate and to 48 Cambridge Terrace, taking things. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Sewed and ironed at 2 new frocks all p.m. Dennis in at 7.30 with new goldfish “Hitler 2nd” or “Donna Rachele” (Mussolini’s wife).
Memo:
13th Portrait Rose
14th To Sissie’s 4.30?
Ainsworth 10.15 Tuesday
14th Kit to lunch 1/-
15th 48 and Harvey.
16th 9.30 Kit calling for me. Almoner’s
16th 4.30 to Fred Barnard’s.
17th 1 to Lois.
Sunday 19th July 1936
Very windy. Mild. Heavy showers.
Dennis and I motored out to Dorchester on the Thame River through Chilterns. Lunch there. To Abbey – “Crusader” tomb and to river. On by Clifton Hampden and Oxford and back by Vale of White Horse to Reading. Dinner Chinese Restaurant. To Bulstrode House. Home. Finished packing. Did “Are you Sure?”
Richmond
Monday 20th July 1936
(No weather).
Dennnis took me to Bond’s, for Phil’s things; to King’s Cross. I off by 10.5 train; ate sandwich on train. Changed York 1.29 – 1.55 on to Darlington. Arrived 2.41. Met by Blain, who had just seen Alys off (2.34) to London. To Layton. Phil, Zeus, Ozzy. Tea. Looked at bees. After dinner, looked at bees. Gave them sugar.
Tuesday 21st July 1936
Grey.
In flower garden. Helped Phil to take sugar from beehive. I drove round by two Richmond roads in a.m. and after lunch drove into Richmond and got 2 gallons petrol (1st time alone in car to Richmond!) Read. Bird of Dawning (Mansfield). Mr Hardy talked to Phil 6 till 7.20. In sitting-room after dinner and sugar to bees.
Wednesday 22nd July 1936
Cool and grey
To take the sugar from the beehive with Phil. Watched them through glasses. Phil and Zeus to fetch “Times”. Then Phil and I read on path in deck-chair till lunch. After lunch, I drove to Scotch Corner and north and back by Melsomby. Three “Road Ups”. In top room, after tea, framing Kings and Queens. Hardy to talk to Phil again. In sitting-room with fire after dinner.
Thursday 23rd July 1936
Rain all day.
Phil in bed as felt sick and bad night. No breakfast. I sewed in Alys’ bedroom. Phil ate good lunch and read “Bird of Dawning” all p.m. I read “X v. Rex” and wrote Alys. Tea in Phil’s room. Sewed in Alys’ room and talked to Phil, who stayed in bed and felt indigestion and sick (slight feeling). Slept in Alys’ room.
Friday 24th July 1936
Gale. Showers.
Sewed and out between showers picking flowers and arranging them. Phil only grapefruit at 8.45. Milk 11. Omelette for lunch and raspberries. I read in p.m. Ozzy killed rabbit in orchard. Phil up soon after tea. Out then on sofa. Dinner. At 915. Dennis and Alys arrived, in Armstrong from Darlington by Silver Link.
Saturday 25th July 1936
Windy. Fine.
Phil down to breakfast in dressing-gown. I fetched Times with Zeus. Up to garage to see shelves. After lunch, Alys and I to Richmond to shop. Saw Smith in cricket-match. Tea. In garden. Measured chintzes with Alys in Berry’s rom. Goldfish died. Tried giving salts. After dinner, Dennis and Phil played Slosh in billiard-room.
Memo:
20th 1.20 to Darlington
Wrote E.P. 24th
Wrote K.H.D. 26th
Wrote Aunt Bella 23rd or so.
Sunday 26th July 1936
Cool. Grey
Did measuring and calculating with Alys. Dennis did his aubretia on wall.
Dennis and Alys to dinner (1) with Dr and Mrs Woodsend. I drove to East Layton and back by Street. Alys and Phil took letters to Richmond 6? post. I helped Dennis a bit. All in billiard-room. In evening Phil and Dennis playing Slosh.
London
Monday 27th July 1936
Coolish. Fine.
All in Armstrong to Darlington for 10.41 Silver (Quick) Jubilee to London. Lunch on train. Arrived 17 minutes late!. To 4 Cambridge Gate. Alys and I to Haynes about chintz and 48 Cambridge Terrace for long measure. Phil resting. Tea. Phil found ramshorn snails in tanks. Alys and I cut curtains for bachelor’s room, Layton. Dennis in about 8.
Tuesday 28th July 1936
Thundery.
I to Sainsbury’s. Phil to Dr Chandler’s at 12 for refill and to have fluid drawn off – 1½ pints. In p.m. Alys out with Kit to Harrod’s. I shortened tweed coat. Kit back with Alys to tea. Dennis late and out again, after to see Bishop.
Richmond
Wednesday 29th July 1936
(No weather)
I to Bond’s to buy 2 railway books for Phil. Alys and Phil at 11.30 to Dr Aymer’s. They brought Poz back to lunch. She went after, and Alys and I to see chintz at Haynes’. Back to tea. Taxi to King’s Cross at 5. Alys saw Phil and me off in Silver Link to Darlington. We had dinner on train. Blain met us at 8.45. To Layton. Zeus and Ozzy delighted. I slept in Alys’ room.
Thursday 30th July 1936
Fineish.
Phil and Blain opened bee-hive. I watched in veil. Picked sweet-peas. Phil read on path. After lunch, I drove to Aldbrough to butcher’s for mince. Wrote Alys. Fire in smoking-room. I read, and Phil wrote to Helen Watson and Diana Quick in evening. Biggest goldfish died in tank.
Friday 31st July 1936
Stormy.
Did flowers, moved things off “elephant”. Drove to Richmond in p.m. Got 3 gallons petrol. Joiner put in shelves and 4 men moved “White elephant” cupboard and sideboard. Sitting-room cleaned. Gave bees sugar and Phil got stung on cheek (and twice on head). Alys arrived by train at 10 about. Blain met her.
Saturday 1st August 1936
Showers. Mild.
Phil 99 so only on chair in garden and didn’t dress all day. Cheek swollen. Alys and I did flowers. Phil to bed to lunch. 99.6 in evening. At 6.30 Teddy and Eva and Mr Berry arrived in Ford. Alys to meet Dennis in Phil’s Ford. Dennis’ train very late. They in when we finished dinner, at about 9.30. Teddy to bed in middle of dinner, feeling sick. Phil better. Dennis strained back with carrying Berry’s heavy suitcases.
Memo:
28th 12 Chandler
29th Phil back to Layton with me
1st Kit’s birthday
Sunday 2nd August 1936
Very windy and showery.
Phil and Teddy in bed to breakfast. Dennis and Teddy busy with goldfish and other fish. Salt baths and put them in top pond Phil down about 12. Alys and Eva to Richmond in p.m. to try and get cascara or calomet for Teddy. All chemists shut. Phil took sugar to bees! Croquet after supper. Slosh in billiard room. I read in sitting-room.
Monday 3rd August 1936
Fine most of day.
Teddy drove Armstrong with Eva, Mr Berry and Phil up past Gayle. Got weeds for pond. Alys and I drove into Darlington to shops (all open). Teddy drove Mr Berry, Alys, Eva and me to Raby Castle (Lord Barnard’s). Jamboree. Grounds open. Croquet when home. Dennis, Teddy and Mr Berry Slosh in evening. We others by fire in smoking-room.
Tuesday 4th August 1936
Showers and sun.
Dennis, Alys, Eva and Teddy with Ozzy and Scotty and Blain to Darlington. Dennis and Alys by Silver Link to London. Dogs to vet. In p.m, Eva and Teddy bathed Scotty. Phil played croquet with Mr Berry, and after tea we all played Teddy’s croquet. Did flowers a little. All played “Kan-u-go” in evening. I slept in Alys’ room.
Wednesday 5th August 1936
Showers and sun.
I to Darlington with Phil to buy wood. Phil owes me 9/8. Others in Armstrong to Richmond and Marske and Hurst (lead-mines). In p.m., Eva and I to Darlington 3.30 for Eva’s massage by Miss Miller. No tea. Others walked to small quarry. Phil to bees. I in garden after tea. Teddy, Mr Berry and Phil played Slosh in evening. Eva and I in smoking-room.
Thursday 6th August 1936
Poured all day.
To get Times which not there in rain. Phil in top room. Others read. Teddy wrote letters. I wrote Kit and Alys. We played Plopitin and after tea Splosh and Phil in top room doing arch (tunnel entrance). After dinner, men played splosh. Eva’s back very aching all day.
Friday 7th August 1936
Fine all day.
Teddy with Armstrong took Eva and Mr Berry to river and caught 2 little gudgeon. Lunch at 1. Berry’s to Darlington and Mr James Berry away about 2.30. Phil and I read in garden. Eva too later. Tea in hut. Croquet after and Phil in top room, but played croquet first. Fed bees at 5. Phil stung through thick glove. Slosh (all 4 of us) in evening. Phil’s sting very swollen.
Saturday 8th August 1936
Perfect day.
Eva and Scotty to Darlington for massage and plucking. I did aubretia’s till too hot. In p.m. I to East Layton in Austin. Cooper and Blain away all day at flower judging. We 4 played croquet after tea. Wrote Alys, to Aldbrough. All four played “Kan-u-go” in smoking-room in evening. Fire there.
Memo:
7th Embleton’s to Cave’s.
8th Olive Ireland’s 21st birthday – gloves 7/11
Sunday 9th August 1936
Fine, hot and sunny.
Did some gardening to the aubretia’s. Eva and Teddy to river and brought back trout (babies, 2 bigger). Cooper’s saw Dorothy off at Darlington. Read in garden all p.m. All played croquet. Zeus hurt duckling, and panicked when tied to seats. Phil in to room. After dinner, helped Phil to give bees sugar. Played darts with Phil.
Monday 10th August 1936
Sunny. Warm.
Big goldfish died. Phil drove Eva and Teddy to Richmond. Hair cuts. I drove in to Richmond in Austin. Radiosteoleum. After lunch, letters; Washed Phil’s gloves (bee). Tennis court marked. Eva and Teddy played tennis. Phil and watched and then Phil took a few balls, served him by Eva. Croquet after and slosh in evening. Teddy and I v. Eva and Phil. Teddy in good mood all day.
Tuesday 11th August 1936
Showers – warm.
Did aubretia’s in a.m. and flowers with Eva. Teddy doing Armstrong brakes. He and Phil out in it with dogs. Wrote Alys and Eva and I to Darlington for her massage. Miss Miller, Coniscliffe Road – 3rd time. Eddy with Phil in top room, working! Did aubretias again. Got stung on head by bees, after dinner helping Phil give sugar. Phil and Teddy played Slosh.
Wednesday 12th August 1936
(No weather).
Eva and Teddy to fish in Tees all a.m. Phil and I arranged books in new shelves. Blain helping after lunch, flowers, sewing. Wrote Alys after tea in hut, croquet – very heavy shower. Eva and I sewed indoors. Phil and Teddy in top room. All losh” in evening.
Thursday 13th August 1936
Warm. Fair.
Eva and I in her Ford to Richmond, shopped. Phil and Teddy in top room. Did flowers and wrote Alys in p.m. After tea, Eva and Teddy played tennis. Phil and I arranged books. I did aubretias and sugar to bees (in nets veils). Croquet at 6. Slosh in evening.
Friday 14th August 1936
Thundery then windy.
Heard from Alys that they not coming as colds. Teddy and Eva to fish. I did aubretias. In p.m wrote Alys and then with Eva in their Ford to Darlington. She had her hair done and then to Masseuse. I to station enquiring about Malcolm’s train to Perth and bought file for Phil (1/6) and flower scissors 3.6. Slosh in evening all.
Saturday 15th August 1936
Showers.
Did flowers with Eva then aubretias. Teddy after cleaned top pond out. At 2.30 I to Richmond for cigarettes (100) 4/10. In Baby Austin. Tea in hut. Croquet, interrupted by rain. Paul Davis and Marie-Louise Schultz from Latvia arrived 6.45. Dinner. Talked in sitting-room with fire alight. To bed about 10.15. They in garden and later.
Memo:
14th Dennis Embleton holidays begins.
10th Got Radiostoleum 4/3.
5 oz Lovat wool Teddy’s socks 2.1.
10th postcard to Elsa.
3.30 Hair Eva Friday
5 on Friday massage Eva
15th Paul Davis and Marie Louise.
Sunday 16th August 1936
Very fine and warm.
Read papers in garden. I sewed. Phil took Paul and Muze (Marie-Louise) in his car. In p.m. The two guests went in Paul’s car and were out to tea. We four played golf croquet till 6. Phil’s temperature 98.8 at 6. Watered aubretias. After dinner, we played Kan-u-go.
Monday 17th August 1936
Warm and fine. Wind and stormy heat.
Phil bad night, felt sick and he in bed till 12, ate no breakfast. Teddy and Eva with Paul and Muse to Richmond. I to Aldbrough for mince. In p.m. Eva in Phil’s car to Darlington (masseuse). Others to fish in Caldwell Beck. Croquet after tea. Phil one game. At about 7 Alys and Dennis arrived from Hunstanton with goldfish. Men played Slosh; we talked after dinner.
Tuesday 18th August 1936
Very fine and warm.
Did flowers. Paul and Muse went to the Lakes for Holiday. Alys, Eva and Phil to Richmond in Phil’s car. Teddy and Dennis arranged goldfish bowl – all 13 new fish. I cut branches for Yew Tree walk. Took Zeus “to heel” walk. Men leading stones for cliff by pond. Men played Slosh in evening
Wednesday 19th August 1936
Misty rain all day.
Dennis supervising men moving stones into position “cliff”. Alys and I to Richmond in Baby Austin. I took Zeus walk. Paul and Muse to Ravensworth. Teddy and Eva to meet Malcolm Berry 2.41 Darlington. Armstrong. Harold Chase and Betty arrived 3.20. Ping-pong. Stayed tea and dinner. Games, forfeits and Rummy. Chases left 9.30 for Leeds. Dennis, Teddy, Paul and Malcolm played billiards.
Thursday 20th August 1936
Fine, warm.
Doing flowers and watching men build cliff. Took Zeus walk with Dennis. His hip very bad. Paul and Muse to Ravensworth again. Major and Mrs Steel (patient) arrived 1.30 for lunch (unexpectedly to us – Dennis forgot). Alys and Eva to masseuse in p.m. and Teddy and Malcolm to shop in Darlington. Steels stayed tea (and injection). Croquet. Dennis read, and other men Slosh in evening. Women talked in sitting-room.
Friday 21st August 1936
Fine, warm.
Paul and Muse away at 10. Men to quarry and dogs. Zeus rolled. Building cliff continued. Malcolm rolled lawn. I to quarry after lunch, too and watched stone-leading and setting. At 4.30 I to Darlington station in Baby Austin alone. Alys, Eva and Phil in Ford. Phil met James Campbell 5.28. Alys, Eva and I back in Baby Austin. In in garden; and read “South Riding”. Liqueurs in evening and “Slosh” for men.
Saturday 22nd August 1936
Very fine and warm.
Eva and Teddy away at about 11. Dennis and boys to quarry and dogs. Croquet at times. Read in garden, after lunch. Alys and James and Malcolm to Richmond. Mr Kay and wife and 2 boys to tea (from London to Dumfries). Bill tried to be friends with Zeus. Round garden. Croquet. Billiard-room in evening. Alys to Aldbrough for meat (Sunday). Alys phoned Eva at 4 Cambridge Gate.
Memo:
19th Malcolm Berry
21st James Campbell comes. Paul and Muse leaves.
17th Zeus ate Times supplement
Eva and Teddy leave, on 22nd.
Sunday 23rd August 1936
Fine. Warm.
Dennis and James studies Domesday Book. Dorothy Cooper and friend back from London. Croquet. Malcolm’’s arm ached. Mrs Roberts and son to dinner (Ruth Sowerby’s cousin?) from Milford. All sat on upper path till 3.10. They left. After tea, Phil and James for drive to moors. Slosh in evening. Malcolm away at midnight to Perth to join R.A.F.
Monday 24th August 1936
Fine. Warm.
Alys and I and James to Darlington in Ford. He off to Edinburgh 9.47. I drove Austin home (left by Malcolm in station garage). Alys drove Phil’s Ford. Dennis and men building cliff all day and until 7.30! Watched. To Aldbrough with Alys for meat. Slosh in evening. Alys played a little. Bad night awake 5 hours it seemed.
Tuesday 25th August 1936
Fine. Warm.
Phil drove Alys and me to Barnard Castle. Ford stopped – carburettor blocked. Got grouse and Phil got gun license. Alys thought bag lost so she and I went back. Dennis and men doing stones all day till 7.15. Slosh after dinner. Alys and I watched. Rested on bed at 3.30. Alys and I drove to Throstle Gill near Helwith and Goats Water after tea.
Wednesday 26th August 1936
Fine. Warm.
Alys and I to Richmond for thermometers. Sat by Castle Wall. Home to lunch. Dennis began to give up smoking. Alys and I did flowers in p.m. Tea in hut. Alys and I took fruit to Mr Luston at Forcett, and on to Princebridge and back by Rokeby, in Ford. Lovely evening. Great arguments about way. Ben worked till 7.30 at stones. Slosh in evening. Dennis cross – no smoking.
Thursday 27th August 1936
Fine. Hot.
Alys with Phil to Fothergill for X-ray. Dennis and men to Kirkby for peat. Bill Cave arrived about 11.15 from Aldeburgh. Phil and Bill to felt veal from Aldbrough after tea. We croquet, rests. Slosh in evening – Dennis, Phil and Bill. Dennis still bad – not smoking.
Friday 28th August 1936
Fine, hot.
I to Ravensworth in Austin for bulls-eyes and after to Richmond with Phil and Bill in Ford. Mr and Mrs Silverston to lunch, and tea, until 6.30 In garden and to quarry. Dennis to meet Dr and Molly Heanley at 5.38, Darlington. Bill and Phil out shooting rabbits, pigeons? Slosh in evening. Dennis still not smoking.
Saturday 29th August 1936
Very fine. Warm.
Men in car to quarry and all (except me) in cars to Kirkby peat-gathering. Alys came back for me, and I went later. In p.m. Dennis and Bill and Heanley’s to Tees. Dennis and Heanley’s bathed and tea there. Phil and Bill out shooting at square plantation. Kath and George Buchanan arrived from London. Dinner. Slosh (only men played). Buchanan’s stayed night.
Memo:
24th Malclom leaves for Perth
24th James leaves
27th Bill Cave
29th Kath and George Buchanan till 30th
28th Heanley’s come till 31st
Sunday 30th August 1936
Fine.
All up to Johnson’s ground to get peat in Armstrong and Ford. After dinner, Kath and George away – 2.30 to Dungeon Ghyll. Dennis took Heanley’s, Bill and me in Chrysler to Roman Wall, Borcovicus. Tea by South Tyne, near Haydon Bridge. Beck via Alston and Middleton in Teesdale. Home about 9. Left the Wall at 7. Supper and to bed.
Monday 31st August 1936
Dull then very fine.
Dennis and Alys to Darlington to see Heanley’s off by Jubilee. All of us to Quarry, big stone down. Phil and Bill walked there and back. Alys and Bill to Darlington in p.m. with two Baby Austin’s (Alys left them). Audrey Marriner and Mabel Feetham née Foster called to tea, round garden. Phil and Bill out shooting pigeons and rabbits. Croquet records. Slosh in evening. Moonlight in hut.
Tuesday 1st September 1936
Fine then rain at 5.30.
2 rooks in chimney at 6.30 a.m. Alys in Ford to meet Helen and James at 11.30 Darlington. Talked by pond. Bill and Phil out shooting rabbits 10.30 til 12.15. Dr Hales at 2.15. Had lunch. Blain and Bill, James, Helen and I to get peat 3 – 4.45. Tea. Got Times. Indoors – old Cawood Bible. Rainy. Slosh in evening. Only men played. We watched. Letter from Ella. Wrote her.
Wednesday 2nd September 1936
Mist then fine.
Dennis with Smith to get peat then Bill and James and Phil and Helen, in their cars. Alys and I did flowers. Phil rested. Helen on seat talking and extracting seeds. After lunch, rests interrupted by wasp and bee fights. Dennis, Smith, Bill, James and Helen to get heather turfs. Alys, Phil and I tea. Alys and Phil to Darlington for Austin. I gave tea to others 5 p.m. Phil croquet records; James and Helen hazel hunting and water divining. Slosh in evening – men. We watched.
Thursday 3rd September 1936
Rain and fine.
Alys and Dennis took James and Helen in to Darlington for Jubilee 10.48. Phil and Bill to Richmond for trousers. After lunch, read and in garden. After tea, I in Austin round Forcett for practice walk with Alys and Zeus, training him. Phil and Bill went shooting by Gayle. Slosh in evening.
Friday 4th September 1936
Fine on whole.
Alys and I to Richmond via Gayle and brakes still very bad. To Bank and shops. In p.m. Derrick Reid-Brown and Peter Hill at 3.30 and to tea (photos of trip to Constantinople). I did flowers. Phil and Dennis played Slosh. Alys and Bill and I read in evening.
Saturday 5th September 1936
Showers. Wet over Skiddaw.
Bill and Phil to Darlington – present Doris. Sycamore tree by pond pulled down. Alys, Dennis and I in Chrysler to Keswick. Lunch Derwentwater Hotel. Portinscale. On to Leslie’s Nurseries at Blackwell. Chose plants for rocks and heaths. Tea at Inn. To Carlisle (to post parcel – Eva). Started back 6 o’clock. Arrived Layton 7.30 (45 miles Penrith – Layton). Dennis and Bill slosh. Phil stamps. We read (Phil and Bill shot rabbits).
Memo:
30th James and Helen 2?
7th to Newcastle to Ella till Friday?
Sunday 6th September 1936
Fine on whole.
To fetch peat with Dennis and Bill. Bill cut branches off sycamore. Did flowers. I sawed branches off a Yew Walk. Began packing. Alys and Phil doing croquet records. Hedgehog, Charles, caused anxiety. Dennis, Alys and Bill did Slosh. I with Phil (did stamps) in sitting-room.
Newcastle
Monday 7th September 1936
Fine.
Hedgehog dead. Finished packing and about garden, Dennis planting plants on rock garden. After lunch, Alys drove me to Darlington in Ford. Bill too. I caught 2.44 to Newcastle arrived 3.45. Taxi to 7 Roseworth Terrace. To stay with Ella. Chris, Edith and Nell Sandeman in evening for 20 minutes.
Tuesday 8th September 1936
Fine.
Alys phoned. Out with Ella to shops and town. Coffee at Bainbridge’s. Back 12.15. At 12.30 Phil and Bill arrived in Ford (about gun to shop)! Phil rested on Ella’s bed. Dinner 1.10. Phil rested again till 3.30 when they went. I read “The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club”. After supper, Irene Ward M.P. came in coffee. Stayed till midnight.
Wednesday 9th September 1936
Fine. Breezy.
For a walk by Gosforth old church and sat in park with Ella. Read “The Fool hath Said” Beverley Nichols. Tea. Sewed. Ella’s bedroom slipper soles on. At 6 walked over to 29 Mitchell Avenue, Jesmond – Chris and Edith’s new house. Nell Sandeman there and Roger. High tea at 6.30. Talk; looked at snap-shots and sketches. Chris played on pianola. He drove us home in Vauxhall at 10.20.
Thursday 10th September 1936
Misty. Mild.
Ella walked over with me to Leonora’s – 41 Highbury. I called 11 – 12. Saw over house. Walked home, bought stockings. In p.m. rested and read. After tea, we walked to Charlotte and Polly’s and called. Elizabeth and Patricia (Ken’s girls 7 and 8?) there. Reid’s just back from Corbridge. Maggie out. Supper in kitchen. Wrote Doz.
Richmond
Friday 11th September 1936
Dull. Mild.
Packed. With Ella to Boot’s. Back. Taxi at 11.30 to Central Station. I took 12 train to Darlington. Arrive 12.54. Alys met me in Austin. Layton. Lunch. In garden. Wrote Ella .Unpacked. Tea in hut. Phil fed bees. Dennis and Phil supervising Smith digging stream. Slosh in evening. Dennis playing badly. Phil well.
Saturday 12th September 1936
Rain.
Watched Dennis and Smith doing man-hole. Then rain too heavy. Packed. Fetched Times by road. Not Zeus. At 2.30 to Richmond with Alys (and Mrs Cooper) in Austin. Back (leaving Mrs Cooper). Tea. Dennis, Phil and I walked to Ravensworth. Alys in car and I part of the way driving. Alys and Phil drove home and then Alys came back for us. After dinner, Slosh we all played. Dennis better. Phil not so good.
Memo:
3rd class fare return Darlington 5/3
7th Becky and Mrs Sharp till 10. Taxi to Gosforth 4.3.
Dennis’ holiday ends.
Bill leaves 10th.
London
Sunday 13th September 1936
Very fine and warm.
My 57th birthday. In garden and finishing packing. Dennis did aubretias; we read papers. At about 2.50, Dennis and I away in Chrysler. Tea, south of Doncaster. Crowded roads, red car cut in twice. Polite Colonel? Dined at The Gibbet, Near Cambridge. Back at 4 Cambridge Gate about 10.50. Florence (and Pearman).
Monday 14th September 1936
I unpacked. To High Street shops and Selfridge’s and Smith’s library. Wrote Alys. Lunch. Washed things. Out to Knight’s. Began “They walk in the City” Priestley’s new book. Dennis in at 7.35 with the goldfish. Read, knitted and listened in to News.
Tuesday 15th September 1936
Fair. Thunder shower.
With Dennis to High Street. Bus to Edgware Road. To 48 Cambridge Terrace. To Woolworth’s, Selfridge’s for clothes-brush. Walked home. Wrote Dorothy. Lunch. Read. Out to post vests for Phil. Wrote Kit. Caught in thunderstorm. Listened-in “Dr Clitterhouse”. Smokies for dinner. Knitted and read and Clapham and Dwyer.
Wednesday 16th September 1936
Fair.
Eva phoned 8.15. Hip bad. I with Dennis to High Street. On by bus to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey and Metesco man at 11. Cleaning till 12.40. Lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. Out for fish. At 3 came Eva and Teddy. He to sleep. We talked. Tea. Teddy out to see Mick Egan. Dennis in 7.40. Dinner. They left at 9.15. Dennis to Eva to Dempster for rheumatic hip at 7.
Thursday 17th September 1936
Mild. Dull.
To High Street with Dennis who to Hales’. I to shops and to 4 Cambridge Gate. Out by Albany Street to Church Row. Talk with Elsa. Virginia in, and Tessa (whooping-cough). Walked to Swiss Cottage. Ticket at Embassy. Back to lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. To Embassy 2.30 to see “The Tiger” William Devlin. Very good as Clemenceau. Knitting and listening-in in evening.
Friday 18th September 1936
Warm. Dull.
Fire at St Dunstan’s 6 a.m. To Smith’s with book. To Haymarket for seats, Euston Place. To 48 Cambridge Terrace with things. Fetched shoes from cobbler. To High Street. Lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. Unpicked black wool frock. To tea with Sissie. Rose (Ted’s widow) in. Dennis in about 8 o’clock. Knitted and news. Rang up Layton. Dennis and Phil about pond.
Saturday 19th September 1936
Hot.
To shops. Back 2.45 with 11 new fish (2 sunfish). All p.m. doing fish-tanks. I sewed on balcony. To Haymarket Theatre to see “Amazing Dr Clitterhouse” Ralph Richardson with Dennis. Good. Very hot night.
Memo:
16th Mrs Harvey 11 at 48 Cambridge Terrace. Metesco too.
Gave Mrs Harvey 10/- 18th. Sissie 4.30.
19th Amazing Dr Clitterhouse. Haymarket 8.30
Sunday 20th September 1936
Warm. Windy. Rain in evening.
2 goldfish and 1 orfe dead today. 1 in a.m. Dennis and I to Minster, bridge hold-up. Flying Officer and Mrs Nelson in. All to see boat. Queenboro’ in p.m. Squadron Leader and Mrs Mason to tea and sherry 7. Dennis to Eva and Teddy and me to supper – Sheerness Cinema. Eva’s hip hurt – very lame. Drove home in rain.
Monday 21st September 1936
Warm. Dull.
Bully Sunfish died. To Selfridge’s. To 48 Cambridge Terrace but no key. To bank. To Evan’s and got pattern. Lunch 4 Cambridge Gate and all p.m. remodelling black angora frock. Wrote Alys. Dennis in early – 7 with sand. After dinner, phoned Layton and then to see “The Man Who Could Work Miracles”. Wells. Leicester Square Theatre.
Richmond
Tuesday 22nd September 1936
Warm. Fine.
Alys phoned. She has cold. So I packed suitcase. Went to my bank for money. Taxi to King’s Cross. Train 1.20 for Darlington. Sandwich lunch. Met at 5.38 by Blain in Ford. Phil doing aubretias; he had Red. Close to call. Dinner. Talked in sitting-room. Phil on sofa. Slept in Alys’ bed. Ozzy with me.
Wednesday 23rd September 1936
Warm and fine.
Got Austin from garage and carried logs from sewing place to house. 2 loads. Fetched paper with Zeus. Lunch. Rested on path, deckchair all p.m. reading “I was a Spy”. Walk with Phil and dogs in fields, discipline. (Tea in hut). Drove to East Layton and back by Street. Phil did aubretias. After dinner, Phil wrote Douglas Cox and Nurse Richards, and Dorothy King. I read. To bed 9.35.
Thursday 24th September 1936
Dull. Wind. Rain after 5.30
With Phil to Richmond in Ford. Fetched gun (barrel mended). Did flowers. After lunch, read paper on path. Fetched load of logs. Blain took Ford to Darlington for cover extension. Phil shooting after tea. I to get petrol and round by Newsham, Dalton, Ravensworth. Talk and stamps, knitting, gun cleaning.
Friday 25th September 1936
Rain till 4.30.
Big old goldfish dead! Last of the seven. In rain up to see Ford cover, with Phil and then to fetch Times by Road and Zeus by copse. Sewed. Read in p.m. in sitting-room and Phil in hut. After tea, buried goldfish. I to East Layton with letter in Baby Austin. Phil in top room. After dinner, at 9.20 came Alys and Dennis by Jubilee. Blain meeting them in Armstrong.
Saturday 26th September 1936
Fine. Some showers. Cool.
Dennis busy at rock-garden with Mason and Smith. Cementing floor of swap. Alys and I to Darlington to view “Greylands” for auction furniture, books, etc. Back 1.30. Did flowers and fetched logs, with Alys in Austin. Tea in hut. All in sitting-room in evening. To bed 9.40
Memo:
22nd 1.20 Arrived 5.38
25th Return ticket 1.19.0 Taxi 2/5 Porter 6
24th Petrol 4/6. Cutex polish 1/6. 2 at 9d
Wrote Aunt Bella 25th
Sunday 27th September 1936
Showers and sun.
Sat in sun and read papers. Then rain so indoors. Dennis planting. After dinner, with Alys to post letters at Forcett (goes 4.35). Then helping Dennis measure bog, also after tea. Dennis and Phil billiard-room in evening. Alys and I up there later.
London
Monday 28th September 1936
Fine. Cool.
Packed. Phil up directly after breakfast, and Philip 23 today. All of us in Armstrong (and Ozzy to vet) to Darlington. Dennis and I by Jubilee 10.42 to King’s Cross 2 p.m. Lunch on train. I to library to change book. Smith’s, through park. Dennis in 8.15. Knitted, read, news.
Tuesday 29th September 1936
Cool. Fine.
To High Street with Dennis. On Selfridge’s. Bought coat, and cape and evening dress. Home. At 2.15 Meeting Haverstock Hill to choose Teachers – Bateman, Burton. Back, but on to Fuelling’s about bread. Wrote Alys. Cake at Sagne’s. Back. Read. Dennis in at 8.
Wednesday 30th September 1936
(no weather).
Kit rang up. I to my Bank and to Selfridge’s. Paid for coat and took them to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Kit called there. To 4 Cambridge Gate. We had lunch there. Then to 71 H.C. Sat with Barbara. Tea there. All to Melon? S. Molton Street and then to 47 Wimpole Street. Barbara to Dennis, Home. Dennis back 7.30. Phoned Layton. Heard Alys had bought the big bookcase! £20.0.00. Dennis drawing plan of bog and stream.
Thursday 1st October 1936
Fine.
Out to High Street shops, with Dennis to Maple’s. Viewed bookcases. Got red remnant. Home 4 Cambridge Gate. Lunch. To 48 Cambridge Terrace, carrying summer things; back to tea with fur collars. Trimming hats. Dennis in 7.15. Cleaned orfes out. Listened-in. Read. Alys phoned us. Phone Doz. Wrote Alys.
Friday 2nd October 1936
Fine. Mild.
Out with Dennis to Sainsbury’s. To Maple’s about packing cases for books. To Princes Theatre for tickets. Arts Theatre. Lewis’ fur trimming. Carpets. Wadding. Trimmed fogul in p.m. To Smith’s. Sent 2 Wells books to Phil. Dinner 7.15. To Princes’ Theatre with Dennis to see “The Frog”. Edgar Wallace, Ian Hay. We had lobster and “dunkle” beer at Lyons’ after.
Saturday 3rd October 1936
Fine. Mild.
Out to High Street. Crates came. On to Arts Theatre. To Matt’s. To Bank and to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Back to lunch. Began packing books. Dennis in, and at about 3, we drove to Wisley to Horticultural Society Gardens. There till 5.30. Drove back, via Kingston. Crowded. Home 7.45. Dinner. Clocks back to Greenwich Time.
Memo:
28th Phil’s 23rd birthday. Back to London
Phil and Alys to view sale – Greylands.
29th 2.15 Haverstock Hill School
30th Kit to lunch
Sunday 4th October 1936
Very fine. Mild.
Packed crates with books. Dennis to patient. Cold dinner 1.15. Both in p.m. Dennis and I in car to Highland Ponds. Walked and looked at plants. Back. Walked in Regents’ Park by pond. Looked at plants. Out bus to Chinese Restaurant supper 7. On to Arts Theatre Club to see “Time and the Hour” 6/- seats. Good. Dennis stye in eye.
Monday 5th October 1936
Fine. Cool.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace, met Mrs Harvey and Bolt. Windows. I machined frock. Back to lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. Sewed black frock. Rang up Doz. Sewed in p.m. Wrote Ella. Tea. To R.B.A. Art Club. Drew till 6.30. Walked all the way home. Dennis in 7.45. Read and knitted.
Tuesday 6th October 1936
Fine. Cold.
To shops. Back and ironed new black frock seems and did alterations; also velour skirt. At 2.30 to Tate Gallery. Private View of Tonks’ pictures. Tea with Doz and Colonel Armstrong there. Crates of books off by goods. Dennis home at 7 with 2 goldfish, 1 rudd, 2 dogfish, 2 gudgeons, 2 thunderfish. Out at 9 to consultation. Phoned Alys. Phil well again.
Wednesday 7th October 1936
(no weather).
To Sainsbury with Dennis. To 48 Cambridge Terrace. Looked out Paris. Met Lois French 19th Century Painters. Burlington Galleries. Lunch together Ridgway’s. Walked Hyde Park Corner together. I to 48 Cambridge Terrace again. Machined velour skirt. Did up parcel for Minnie and sent off. Tea 4 Cambridge Gate. Sewed zip on skirt. Dennis in 7.15. Grouse from Layton. To bed 10.
Thursday 8th October 1936
(no weather)
Breakfast 8. Dennis out. I ironed skirt. Out to shops and Cosy Stove to pay bill. To 48 Cambridge Terrace, fetched books, marmalade. To Cleminson’s. No polyp. Allergy. Dr Bray. Lunch. Out to Embassy Theatre. 2. Wrote Alys. Saw “The Provoked Wife”. Stayed to meeting of shareholders. Ronald Adam in Chair. Lois came 5.30 – 6.45. Back to dinner.
Richmond
Friday 9th October 1936
Fineish.
To Lloyd’s Bank in Oxford Place. Changed cheque. Woolworth’s. To High Street Kensington to see Ernest Blaikley’s pictures in show. Lunch at 4 Cambridge Gate. Packed and tea. Dennis at 5.5. To King’s Cross. Jubilee Trains 5.30 to Darlington. Dinner on board. Blain met us 8.41. To Layton in Armstrong. Phil in bed in big room. Slight cold. Sickish. Talked till past 10.
Saturday 10th October 1936
Fine, cool.
Phil in bed all day, but temperature below normal. Dennis busy at pond, and also new orfes which we brought up. Muddled about in garden and with dogs and talked to Phil. Drove Austin to garage in dark, 1st time with lights on! Sat in Phil’s room. Dennis and Alys slept in other big room, with bell through.
Memo:
5th 48 Cambridge Terrace 11. Harvey and window cleaner. Dennis phoned at 1.
Wrote Ella on 5th
6th Private View – Tonks
8th 12.30 Cleminson
8th 5.30 Embassy Developments.
9th To Layton, Jubilee train.
Sunday 11th October 1936
Fine on whole.
Phil up about 11. Arranged books, from crates in new bookcase. In p.m. I drove Alys to Forcett to post letter. Tea. About with Phil in garden. Sat in sitting-room. “Are you Sure” in evening.
London
Monday 12th October 1936
Fineish.
Dennis and I off by Jubilee train 10.42 (Blain). Lunch on board. Arrived 2. Kings Cross. Out to Smith library and Sainsbury’s. Tea. Read and knitted and arranged lace on frock. Dennis in 7.30. Goldfish and news. Dennis rang up Teddy and Eva to hear about Malcolm
Tuesday 13th October 1936
Warm.
Out with Dennis to High Street. To Albany Stret. Later to 48 Cambridge Terrace and H&C for mackerel. Alys and Phil up at 2 (by Jubilee). Dennis met them. Phil walked up all stairs quickly without rest!
Wednesday 14th October 1936
Rain. Warm.
To shops – Sainsbury’s. Alys and Phil to Vaughan’s (gun) and Savoy (book). Kitty called 2.45 and together to Westminster Theatre – “A Month in the Country” Turgenev. Very good. Kitty’s birthday present to me. Taxi to 4 Cambridge Gate. Kit in, till 7. Phil to Chandler form-fill (more walking, less rest, no tea meal). Knitted. Talked. Read. Dennis in about 8.
Thursday 15th October 1936
Warm. Fine.
Alys to bring Chrysler back from Lab. Then at 10.15, Phil drove Chrysler in with Alys and me. Out to shooting range to be fitted (his new gun). In south Harrow. Back. Alys and I to Selfridge’s. In p.m. Alys and I to choose carpet (green). I back to 4 Cambridge Gate (tea). Phil and I in taxi to Albert Hall. Ford Motors. Met Alys there. I on to Old Vic queue and 2/6 seat. “The Country Wife” Wycherley. Crowded house. Bill and Nancy Cave to dinner at 4 Cambridge Gate.
Friday 16th October 1936
Fine.
Alys to have her hair done and lunch with Kit. I out with Phil. He on to see Aymer. I to Times Club. Back and lunch with Phil. At 3.30, I out to have tea with Lois. Alys and Phil away by Jubilee at 5.30. I home at 7. Dennis in at 8. Out after dinner to Ford Motor Show, Albert Hall. Stayed till 10 seeing cars.
Saturday 17th October 1936
Fine.
Out with Dennis to shops. Lunch. Dennis at 2.30, also salesman with Lincoln Zephyr. We out in it. Dennis drove a little (12 cylinder). 36 H.P. Had tea (Florence out). To Queen’s Cinema, Cricklewood. Saw “Pasteur” and “It’s Love Again” Jessie Matthews 5.10 – 8. To Lab and phoned Alys and Phil about car. To Bolivar supper.
Memo:
13th Dennis to Wells’ 70th birthday
14th Matinee with Kit. Phil to Chandler.
15th Motor Show Albert Hall 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
16th Tea with Lois 4 p.m. Golders Green
17th Country Wife Old Vic.
Sunday 18th October 1936
Perfect. Cool wind.
Wrote Alys. Helped Dennis with goldfish and orfe tank cleaning. Dinner 1.15. Drove to Kew Gardens, and 2.30 till 5 there. Home. I got tea. Dennis out to Bulstrode at 7. Supper 9. Hot veal shepherd pie.
Monday 19th October 1936
Gale. Showers.
To High Street with Dennis. To Evans’. Home and made shoe-bag for Ella. Lunch. Out to Burnt Oak to visit Margaret (Lois’ cook) at Infirmary. Back, tea. To R.B.A. Art Club (no class, so back in rain and gale). Finished shoe-bag and jersey edge. Dennis in headache at 7.40. Out at 8.45. Bulstrode. He rang Otto up.
Tuesday 20th October 1936
Fine. Milder.
To High Street. Back and cut out Alys’ brocade coat. Tom Gregson called. Had lunch. Phoned Doz (ought to have gone to Elm Park Road lunch!) Went to tea. Posted parcel to Ella. Dennis in at 7. Ate sandwiches. Out to Wembley. At 8.15, saw the Chrysler “Hell-drivers”. Marvellous.
Wednesday 21st October 1936
Milder. Dull.
Out Albany Street. Back and re-trimmed hat. Did padded sleeve; to National Liberal Club 1. Lunch with Jim Archer, Kitty and Lady (Dovie) Parsons. To Apollo Theatre and saw “The Fugitives” with Marion Lorne and Tearle. Tea at Lyons’, Little Newport Street. Kit and Dovie by tube. Jim saw me off at Paddington. Sewed wadding sleeve. Dennis brought in more fish. Shubunkin, carp, minnows.
Thursday 22nd October 1936
Very mild. Dull.
Out to shops. Then nearly all day sewing coatee for Alys. Out at 5 to 48 Cambridge Terrace to fetch and take things. Back, and packed a little and sewed. Dennis back 8.10 headache. Dinner and then changed water in two fish-tanks. Phoned Alys about temporary maid for next fortnight.
Richmond
Friday 23rd October 1936
Very mild.
Up early and Dennis got fish into tins for travelling. To shops. Packed. To Mrs Hunt’s to engage maid (Rita Cantwell). Lunch, Lois came at 1. Went together to Private View R.W.S. Adrian invited me. At 3.30 back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Tea. At 5.30 Jubilee Train with Dennis and Dolly Willis, and orfes (who upset water) to Darlington. Dinner on train. Blain met us. To Layton. Fish arranging.
Saturday 24th October 1936
Fine, then rain, gale.
Got Austin out. Alys and Phil in Ford to Richmond. Gun came. To Ravensworth later for meths. Dennis and Dolly in garden. Alys and Dolly to Richmond in p.m. for chocolate. I sewed Alys’ coatee. Tea. Read paper. Knitted. Dinner. Dennis and Phil billiards. We talked downstairs. Early to bed.
Memo:
1.15 Lunch Lois.
R.W.S. Private View.
Margaret 19th
23rd Dolly and I to Layton.
10 – 7 Sale 23 Devonshire Place
20th 1.30 Elm Park Road
21st Theatre with J.A. and Kit.
20th Send to Ella (shoe-bags ribbon 1.5).
Sunday 25th October 1936
Sun and showers.
In garden. Tied up the mums. Dennis and Phil walked. Finished coatee and gave to Alys. Out after tea, at about 5 and helped Dennis with leaves in pond. Plug came out twice. Afternoon in garden. Dolly not out (wrote letters) after dinner at all. In evening, I in billiard room with Dennis and Phil.
Monday 26th October 1936
Rain all day.
Dennis, Alys and Dolly off by Jubilee train 10.42. Chimneys swept. Phil and I about, but very wet all day, got wetter. Indoors sewing and Phil cleaning gun. Stove in office. Out at 3.30. in fields. Phil’s stamps in evening and listened in to “Believe It Or Not”. Ripley anecdotes. Phil slept in big spare room.
Tuesday 27th October 1936
Hail. Snow. Sunshine. Cold.
Phil and I to Richmond in Ford. To Murphy’s and Austin’s for “Motor” and bought toothbrush. Hail! Rest in p.m. and at 3 Phil and I out to square plantation; Phil shot a duck first. I in Austin. Wrote ALys. Gun-cleaning. Read “The Unburied Dead” McKenna and Phil read The Motor. He slept in big spare room again.
Wednesday 28th October 1936
Perfect day.
Phil and I to Darlington. He bought shirt. Sent off Alys frock. Did flowers. Lunch. Both of us in deckchairs outside in sun. At 3 in Austin, Phil shot from – Street (West Boundary). I sketched near Hutton Magna and then met Phil in Collier Lane 4.20. He shot 1 duck, 2 rabbits. Tea. Wrote Alys. Gun-cleaning. Phil slept in big room 3rd night.
Thursday 29th October 1936
Dull. Mild.
Phil and Blain to Richmond, about Armstrong. I fetched logs in Austin and got fir-cones. At 3, Phil and I walked on Greenbank fields and I back for Austin and met him in Ravensworth road. Phil wrote Aunt Bella and I did later. Slept in Alys’ room.
Friday 30th October 1936
Drizzle.
Phil took Mrs Cooper into Richmond; sent off “Wenslet” to Doz from me, for November 2nd. Tea at 3.45 in gun-room, and after Phil and I walked with dogs across fields past orchard. Mud and rain. Read “Percy’s Reliques” in evening. Knitted. Phil 98.7.
Saturday 31st Occtober 1936
Magnificent day.
Picked flowers. Took Austin to East Layton and posted shirts to Peter Robinson nd got Postal Order 5/- for coffee. Phil rested outside with wireless. I tried to paint beech tree from billiard room. At 3, we out with gun, to pond and to square plantation. Saw Dowson of Brancas trying to shoot pheasants! I turned Austin at T. In evening we played Slosh in billiard room (mended Phil’s coat, while he cleaned gun).
Memo:
Pamela Palmer’s wedding
30th Dennis and Alys to Sharpe’s.
31st Dorothy for 2nd. Write.
Sunday 1st November 1936
Dullish. Cold.
Frost at night. Ozzy pills. Mason came 11.30. Talked about stream to Phil. I in wood and garden. Wrote Alys. Read papers and at 3 Phil drove me in Ford to post letter at Forcett. Back by Aldborough. In garden. Read. Phil did stamps a little. Read “They Walked in the City”.
Monday 2nd November 1936
Fine on whole.
Wool arrived. In Austin to Melsonby to fetch parcel at United Bus Office. Did flowers. To East Layton for 10/- postal order for Lewis’ wool. 1lb 4oz (extra 2 ordered). Mason for stream in p.m. Hunt came through in p.m. Phil out in Austin. I painted in billiard-room. Out with Phil and Austin. He walking in field and around Foxhall Inn and Junction. Began Phil’s blue and grey pullover. He read “Meet the Tiger!” Letters from Alys (about Eva).
Tuesday 3rd November 1936
Fine. Mild.
Out darning on seat in hot sun (76 in sun in Richmond). Phil and I to Richmond for ammunition. Wrote ALys. Painted in billiard-room. At 3, Phil and I in Ford (I learnt to drive it on lowest gear) to T. Walked to Beck and Layton Fields and to T. Home in car. Tea. Washed brushes. Phil out with dogs. Slosh in evening. I very bad.
Wednesday 4th November 1936
Fine on whole.
At 10.30 Phil and I in Baby Austin along East Layton Road. He joined Cooper and Blain with guns, and Barber and Binks as beaters. Long Plantation and Square Plantation. I in car by Forcett to Collier Lane. Water-colour of pond. Phil walked all way home. In at 2 and lunch. Rested. Read. Wrote Alys. Phil did gun-cleaning – 3 guns. Slosh in evening. Dennis rang up at 10; we in bed.
Thursday 5th November 1936
Showers, sun, wind.
With Phil in Baby Austin to look for wild duck. Round by Forcett. At 11.45 I drove Mrs Cooper into Richmond. Bought net. Drove home alone. Brakes bad. Phil supervising Mason, and writing Dennis. Did flowers in p.m. Walked with Phil to Honeypot and Long Plantations. Wrote Agatha. Sewed fishnet. Wrote Alys. Phil on sofa reading Punch. I knitted his pullover.
Friday 6th November 1936
Fog. Wind. Grey.
Fog, cold. Phil and I in Ford to East Layton 5/- postal order for coffee. By pond getting leaves out with new net. Blain doing brakes. Read in p.m. and knitted and at 3 in Baby Austin with Phil to seek wild ducks; across to ponds. No success. Tea 4.20. Knitted. Phil stamps. Slosh in evening. My 30 break! Flukes (whist drive and dance).
Saturday 7th November 1937
Rain.
Out getting logs, and bringing in. Phil out and then top room. Mrs Vaux called with poppies to sell. Wrote Alys. Out after 3, walk with Phil along street and in, and across fields. 3 coveys partridges. 2 big trees down. Knitted. Phil in top room. Slosh in evening.
Memo:
Brancas = Dowson
White House = Green. Layton Fields, Haygarth (cousin).
Make x-ray appointment at 7th
7th Harding wedding
9th Portrait sending in day.
Sunday 8th November 1937
Heavy showers. Cool.
Phil took dogs out. I did flowers and in garden doing chrysanthemums. Finished letter to Alys. Read “August Folly” Angela Thirkell. Took letter to post at Forcett 3.50. Ta 4.20. Phil out with dogs again. I out to look for them. Duck ill. Slosh after supper. Dennis and Alys phone.
Monday 9th November 1936
Sun and showers.
No shooting as raining early. Phil out with dogs. He rested outdoors in sun and I sketched from seat, too. After lunch, I put in figure in plus fours in picture in billiard room. Out walk with Phil reservoir field and all round. Knitted after tea and read paper. Slosh in evening. Phil in top room and Blain doing lights there.
Tuesday 10th November 1936
Showers.
Tried to go to Richmond in Austin but noise, so back and Phil and I went in Ford. Electric gadgets. Did flowers. Phil made bung. Wrote Alys. At 3, Phil and I in Ford to Darlington. I to Boots’. Phil to Dr Fothergill. X-rayed. Back at 4.25. Phil took dogs a run. Tea 4.45. I knitted Phil’s blue pullover. Phil in top room and Blain later. Slosh in evening.
Wednesday 11th November 1936
Changeable. Sun and fog.
I to Richmond at 10.20 for cable and ball. Armistice 2 minute silence in market place. Back and out again along Collier Lane. Phil, Cooper and Blain shooting, other 3 beating. Phil and I to lunch at 2.10. I took dogs out. Rested. Wrote Alys. Phil cleaned gun. No Slosh. Phil on sofa and we went early to bed.
Thursday 12th November 1936
Rain.
Rainy. Letter from Eva to Phil with news! Knitted. To fetch paper with Zeus. Out in orchard for button and picked flowers. Olive out. Wrote K.H.D. Phil wrote Eva. Slosh in evening.
Friday 13th November 1936
Fine.
Long time doing flowers; Cooper picked greenhouse chrysanthemums. Phil rested in sun, outside and I painted trees. After lunch, I painted in billiard-room and then to Kirkland’s for petrol and Melsomby. Posted Dolly’s waterproof. Got logs in. Phil and I bandaged Ozzy’s foot. Phil wrote Helen. I wrote Eva. Slosh in evening. At 9, Alys phoned from Salisbury! Gone to Eva at Idniston (Plough Inn). At 9.15 Dennis came by Jubilee and Armstrong.
Saturday 14th November 1936
Showers and sun.
In garden by pond with Dennis. Cast off Phil’s vest sleeves and hemmed. Dennis draining stream and cleaning goldfish tank (after lunch). He and Phil out for walk. I painted figures in picture. Out in back wood and round; with dogs. Dennis and Phil played slosh. I read downstairs and knitted.
Memo:
10th x-ray 3.30
13th Alys and Dennis came
14th Zeus’ birthday
Sunday 15th November 1936
Heavy showers. High wind.
Dennis and Philip by pond and stream, in gale. I wandered about. Read papers. Read in p.m. and at 3.30 Dennis and Philip for walk, and I out with dogs, and in garden. Took Zeus East Layton Road. Slosh in evening. Dennis and Phil. Dennis told us about “gas course” preparations for War.
Monday 16th November 1936
Very fine day.
Letter from Alys from Salisbury and Aymer. Dennis away by Jubilee. Blain, Amstrong. Phil and I in Ford to Richmond. Xmas pudding charms. Phil rested out doors. At 3 he to Forcett Hall and shot with Charles Mitchell and tea there. I painted (on setter in picture and men). Phil put tips on billiard cues after dinner. (I fetched logs before tea).
Tuesday 17th November 1936
Fog and rain. Mild.
Indoors except for Times (by road). Phil up to garage and then top room. Letter from Helen – long). I sewed, darned, knitted. After 3, picked flowers with Phil and dogs in fields. Dogs naughty. Phil on sofa in evening. Tired and we waiting in case phone from Alys. Nothing, however.
Wednesday 18th November 1936
Fine on whole.
Letter to Phil from Alys from Idmiston. I in Austin to Richmond. Took my shoes. Bought webbing, tongue. Phil by pond. All p.m. I getting leaves from pond and looking for fish – 2 trout and 2 brown fish saved. Pond emptied and Phil’s pond filled. Phil out with gun, to Square Wood (and Austin). Knitted. Slosh in evening. Dennis phoned (alone at 4 Cambridge Gate).
Thursday 19th November 1936
Dullish. No rain.
Letter from Alys from Idmiston. Alys drove back in Chrysler. Mrs Hardy died. Phil and I called on Mr Hardy. Saw his dead wife; and Mrs Bainbridge. Blain took Cooper to Richmond in Austin. I unpicked shiny frock. For walk with Phil, and also he taught me driving Ford – changed gear up. Drove from Quarry to garage. Dorothy Cooper in to make friends with Zeus. Phil in top room. Alys phoned from London at 7.10. Slosh in evening.
Friday 20th November 1936
Perfect day. Cold.
Hard white frost. Ice on pond. In Austin with Phil. He walked across land. I round by Aldbro (for rice) and met Phil by beck, Collier Lane. Back. Phil rested outdoors. I sewed black gloves outdoors too. Phil took gun out later and I took dogs through orchard. D. Cooper in for Zeus. 5.45 – 7. Billiards (real) in evening.
Saturday 21st November 1936
Perfect. Frost.
Phil and I to Richmond and talked to Foster (saddler). Phil to Metcalfe’s with clay pigeon shooter. Phil rested outdoors. Hot sun! I sat there too, after doing flowers. At 3 Phil took Ozzy walk and I took Zeus – Mary Closefield; for training. Dennis and Cyril Cooper in, for Zeus’ friendship. Put elastic in black skirt. Slosh in evening.
Memo:
17th Mayfair Hotel 2.30 – 8 p.m. P.D.S.A.
20th Wrote Doz
21st Alys and Dennis to Idmiston in new car – Lincoln Zephyr for weekend?
Sunday 22nd November 1936
Perfect. Sun. Frost.
(Wreath and spray to Hardy’s). Sewed. Phil rested outdoors. I read there also. Wrote Alys and Kit. Cold lunch 12.30. At 1.15 Phil and I in Ford to Stanwick Church. Mrs Hardy’s funeral. Blain took Armstrong. Bearers; Cooper, Barber, Corner, Wardle? Johnson. Back and rests till 3.30. Phil took Ozzy, I took Zeus for walks. Tea, sandwiches. Knitted and read papers. Phil in top room. Dennis and Alys phoned after supper. Phil 98.8 – new thermometer.
Monday 23rd November 1936
Perfect. Hot sun. Frost.
Filled pond by waterfall. I walked to Ravensworth with Zeus. Postal order, coffee. Phil rested outdoors and I knitted there. Hot sun. Indoors, paper and knitting p.m. Dorothy Cooper a cold. Phil in top room. Phil took Ozzy East Layton way. Slosh in evening. Fire in billiard room.
Tuesday 24th November 1936
Perfect day.
(Letter from Alys with query bad news of Eva’s baby?) In garden, marvellous frost effects. Phil and I in Ford, to look for partridges; I drove a little. Wrote Alys. Phil rested in hut, as clouds came up. I ironed Phil’s blue pullover in kitchen. Slosh in evening.
Wednesday 25th November 1936
Dullish – less cold.
Smith riveting fence. Breakfast and all meals in gun-room. Dining-room fire place out. Finished off sewing Phil’s jersey together and ironed it. He painted railway arch with oil paints. I got two loads of logs in, with Austin. Out with Phil in Austin by Collier alne. He with gun. He wrote Alys. I lengthened brown pullover. Doris still waiting on us. Olive a cold. Slosh in evening and cue.
Thursday 26th November 1936
Dull. Milder.
Telegram: “Everything all right – coming tomorrow and E”. Breakfast, and all meals in gun-room. With Phil in Ford to Richmond. He had his hair cut and got wire for fence. I to Foster’s about Phil’s boot-trees. Wrote J.H.M. Got Austin down and at 3.5 with Phil (and he shooting, by Gale Wood). I met him White house. He shot his 1st pheasant! Alys phoned. Slosh in evening and lessons in cue-holding.
Friday 27th November 1936
Dull.
Out doing flowers. Phil out to look for another pheasant. Took Austin for 3 gallons petrol along Street. Changed things to my bedroom. Phil to tea with Charles Mitchell and to shoot first. Alys and Dennis arrived at 7.40 in new car – Lincoln-Zephyr. Started at 12 and “running in” so only 45 m.p.h.
Saturday 28th November 1936
Fine. Sunny.
Out for drive to Middleton-in-Teesdale. Phil driving new car. Lovely drive. Talked Alys. Knitted. Read papers. Slosh in evening. Only Dennis and Phil – Alys and I watched.
Memo:
Finished blue pullover 25th
Began it on November 2nd (3 weeks and 2 days).
26th Wrote J.H.M.
Sunday 29th November 1936
Showers, dull. Mild. Windy.
All for drive in car to Middleton-one-row on Tees. Phil drove. Wrote Minnie. Dennis wrote Aunt Bella. Alys and I to Forcett with letters Lincoln-Zephyr. Dennis and Phil for walk. Packed. Billiard room in evening.
London
Monday 30th November 1936
Fine then duller. Windy.
Breakfast 8. At 9.15 Dennis and I off in Lincoln-Zephyr driving at 45 mph for 110 miles then sometimes 50 or 60 in little spurts. Sandwich lunch. Arrived 4 Cambridge Gate 4.20. Tea. Unpacked. Wrote Alys. Dennis in 7.45. Listened in Crystal Palace burning up; 9 and 10 news.
Tuesday 1st December 1936
Mild. Dull.
Breakfast 8. Out to High Street and on to Selfridge’s and Lilian’s. 11.30. Hair done. Present for Olive at Staggs. Back to lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. To 48 Cambridge Terrace about Xmas presents. Back to tea. Dennis in 7.45. Listened-in news. He cleaned goldfish tank.
Wednesday 2nd December 1936
Mild. Dull.
To 48 Cambridge Terrace and met Mrs Harvey. Kitty called for me, and to 4 Cambridge Gate (with fur coat) then to 71 Hampstead Court and lunch with her there. She took me on to Lois and I to tea with Lois, who took me to Golders Green. To Bond’s and 4 Cambridge Gate. Posted letter to Alys. Dennis and I to Chinese Restaurant 8.40 (I called for him in taxi at Bulstrode House).
Thursday 3rd December 1936
Windy. Dull. Mild.
News of King and Mrs Simpson this day. Out to shops Eva arrived about 11.30. Bought Inside Europe 2nd hand 7.6). After lunch, she rested. I out to Embassy and to visit Mr Berry in hospital. Wrote Alys. Dennis home 8.10. All dined together (Malcolm drove me home from Hampstead Hospital in Austin 6).
Friday 4th December 1936
Fine. Mild.
Pleated out velvet coatee on Eva’s floor. Eva in bed all day. I to shops (with Dennis). In p.m, I to Foyle’s and bought 2 Fur and Feather series at 4/6 each. To Evans’, got jabots for Mrs Cooper. Tea in Eva’s room. She wrote Alys. Knitted. Dennis home late. Listened-in.
Saturday 5th December 1936
Mild. Cooler.
Out with Dennis to Smith’s library. To Selfridge’s (cake). Home, out to Jug’s. Cut out velvet coatee on Eva’s floor. Lunch in her room, To Embassy to see Egan’s play “Art and Craft” with Arthur Sinclair, butler. On to Sissie’s (very well!) Teddy at 4 Cambridge Gate and to see his father. Listened-in, knitted, read “Inside Europe”.
Memo:
1st Lilian 11.30
2nd to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey 11 o’clock. To Kit’s lunch.
3rd Gave Mrs Harvey 1.14.0. (£1 Xmas) 4/- cleaning 4 weeks on.
4th Teddy for weekend-end
Eva to 4 Cambridge Gate
Sometime this week X-ray
Sunday 6th December 1936
Fineish. Very cold wind.
Dennis out to consultation, Aldford Street. Teddy out. I with Eva, knitting. Wrote Alys. Teddy late for dinner. I out in Lincoln-Zephyr with Dennis towards King’s Langley; and Scotty. Got tea and supper (Florence out). Teddy away at 8.30 to Sheppey (Nelson’s). Alys wrote about sick attack on 3rd.
Monday 7th December 1936
Fine. Very cold.
To shops. Did velvet coatee. In p.m. to Kardomah, Fortnum’s and Swan and Edgar (presents). To R.B.A. Looked at show and stayed life-drawing. Lois took me back 6.30. Dennis in at 8.15 having written paper for B.M.J. (British Medical Journal) Minnow jumped out.
Tuesday 8th December 1936
Dull. Milder.
To High Street with Dennis. To Smith’s library. Back through park. Sat with Eva, mending Dennis’ coat. Wrote Alys. Out to post. Tea in Eva’s room. Tim Flew (surgeon) to see Eva 5.30. Dennis dressed and to obstetric; dine and theatre with Cave’s and Sharpe’s for Varsity Rugger match. Sewed in Eva’s room.
Wednesday 9th December 1936
Dark. Damp, rather foggy.
Out with Dennis to shops. In Eva’s room trying on, and doing evening dress. Lunch. Out to Selfridge’s and Lewis’. Florence out. Got tea for Eva and Eva wrote Alys. Dennis in 7.45. Very worried still about heart irregular beat, and did not smoke. Teddy rang up. I cut out tunic in chiffon. Got fish supper. Eva began coat for baby.
Thursday 10th December 1936
Dull.
Out with Dennis to High Street. Back and sewed in Eva’s room. She knitted. Eva in sitting-room to lunch with me. I to 48 Cambridge Terrace at 2.30 and machined black coatee. Back hurriedly for 4 o’clock broadcast of King’s Decision to Abdicate! Dennis back late.
Friday 11th December 1936
Dull.
Eva in bed to breakfast. Then up. I to shops at 3. Kitty to lunch. Bill passed for Duke of York to succeed as King. Lois to tea with Eva and me I later to her to dinner 7.15. Mrs Mostyn and Eric and Pearl there. Played copying drawing game and listened-in to Prince Edward’s Farewell Broadcast at 10 p.m.
Saturday 12th December 1936
Milder.
To shops. At 3, Eva and I listened-in to Proclamation of George VI. I to tea and supper at Ayrton’s. Max’s sketches of Esche in Luxembourg. Teddy came to 4 Cambridge Gate (and Scotty) at teatime.
Memo:
7th R.B.A
7th Eva’s nose bled and she had pains. Also pains on 8th and nosebleed on 9th too.
11th 7.15 to Lois
11th Dennis to Layton. Teddy to 4 Cambridge Gate
Sunday 13th December 1936
Some sun.
Wrote Aunt Bella. Teddy, Eva and I walked in park with Scotty. Rests in p.m. Teddy to see his father at Hospital and brought Malcolm back to tea. Teddy and I in Ford to post letter at Welbeck Street before 6 p.m. post. I got supper ready. Teddy away to Sheppey at 8.30.
Monday 14th December 1936
Gale and rain.
Eva rang up the Flew’s about nose-bleeding. I out to shops. Gale and drizzle. After lunch at 2.15, Alys, Phil, Dennis arrived from Darlington by Silver Link. Phil carbuncle on neck. Eva away to Minster 5.15. Victoria. I to Doz’ pipe concert. 5.15. Mrs Eva Pain (Eckersley Essex Suite played). Lois drove me to Baker Street. Alys to Neame 6. Dennis in later.
Tuesday 15th December 1936
Windy.
Alys off with Dennis at 10 and shopped till tea-time. I to shop with Phil at 11.30. He to Lab for blood-sugar? Phil and I lunch together here. After rest, Dennis called for him and they to Bond’s to see engine. And Phil to Foyle’s. I sewed. Dennis in very late and worried about case, and trying to ring up Heanley (M. going to have baby, now 6 weeks). Listened-in.
Wednesday 16th December 1936
Mild. Windy.
Phil to Chandler 11.15. Alys too. I to shops. Sent “Far Enough” to Alan Baumer. Phil and I lunch alone. After his rest, he wrote Betty Chase and we out to see Aquarium, Selfridge’s and Phil bought shirt. Back tea. Alys in about 6.30. All dined at White House Restaurant. Very good 3/6. Dennis dressed Phil’s carbuncle.
Thursday 17th December 1936
Very mild.
Alys and Phil off at 10 a.m. to Layton. I to King’s Cross in Lincoln-Zephyr with them and booked Berry seats. To shops. Selfridge’s, Army and Navy for Dennis’ rain-coats. Lunch. Did up lots of Xmas presents and for Alys. Took Dr Chandler’s globe to them. Dennis in very late. Listened-in. To bed 10.40.
Friday 18th December 1936
Drizzle. Wind.
Out to Post Office, Albany Street and on to Miles’, Compayne, with Ethel’s book. (Stamps). Back. Changed. Lunched with Kit at Peter Robinson’s. Chose overall – Selfridge’s. Sent out quilting and sewed velvet coatee. Eva and Teddy arrived 7.15 (expected 8.30). Dennis in at 8 with B.M.J. with his article – Agranulocytosis (Rythmical).
Saturday 19th December 1936
Mild.
Sewed with Eva. Teddy to Malcolm at Ariston? Lunch 12. Teddy and Eva away to Layton 1.5 Kings Cross. I sewed black quilted lining to velour coatee from 2.30. Dennis back. Listened-in to Proclamation of Coronation date (May 12). George VI. Out in Lincoln-Zephyr for run. Whetstone. Dinner. Sewed.
Memo:
14th 6. Neame.
16th Chandler for Philip.
Helen and Tony 20th to Layton
15th 11 a.m. Dickens and Jones for Alys.
17th Alys and Phil to Layton
18th Eva and Teddy here. Dine and sleep.
19th Eva and Teddy to Layton.
Sunday 20th December 1936
Mild.
Dennis cleaned out goldfish tanks. I sewed silver lace on coatee. Dinner 1. At 2.45 in Lincoln-Zephyr to Cave’s. Inspected Crystal Palace ruins en route. Stayed tea and supper. Home by 9.50. To bed 10.
Monday 21st December 1936
Mild.
Dennis took me to corner and to Pet Shop. Back; All day sewing at silver lace fastenings for velvet coatee. Florence out for hair. Dennis in 8 and we tied up bottles (sherry) and Phil’s Bond thing. Alys phoned from Layton. All well.
Richmond
Wednesday 23rd December 1936
Fine.
Dennis to Lab 9.30. Helen and Tony at 10.15 and all of us off in Lincoln-Zephyr at 10.25. Lunch on way. Arrived Layton at 5.15. Tea. Eva and Teddy there. Unpacked. Dennis and Teddy played slosh, others of us played Kanugo.
Thursday 24th December 1936
Fine. Windy.
About in garden. Postcard from J.H.M from Port Said, SS Rawalpindi. Mrs Mitchell and Charles and John over. Dennis saw John professional. Did up presents. Phil out walk with Teddy, Tony and car and guns. I sent off cards to Adrian, Agatha. Dennis and Teddy in Lincoln-Zephyr to meet Bill who came to Darlington.
Friday 25th December 1936
Dull.
Presents to Kit, but none to each other. Meandered about. Pond emptied and leaves cleaned out and filled again. Read, Teddy and Bill slept. Xmas dinner. Phil tired and in smoking-room. Dennis, Teddy, Bill and Tony Slosh. We talked.
Saturday 26th December 1936
Fine. Mild.
Alys took Helen, Eva and me to Barton Meet in Lincoln-Zephyr. Phil, Teddy, Bill, Tony shooting. Alys took Tony out in Baby Austin; he drove. I took Zeus a walk to quarry. Phil took Ozzy and bill, Teddy. Waits (Miss Peat and Harris) in evening. Men slosh. We knitted. Phil injection.
Memo:
Wallis Collection (Spencer, Simpson, King Edward).
“1st Mate, 2nd Mate, Playmate, Primate, Check mate”.
21st Club? Paid Florence 23rd Board wages 1 ½ weeks. £1/2/6 wages December 28th 1.5.7.
23rd Dennis to Layton and me.
Sunday 27th December 1936
Dull. Mild.
Wrote letters. For a walk with Helen, Eva, Teddy and Bill and dogs. Discussion about Mrs Simpson and King Edward. I in Austin to Scotch Corner to post lots of letters. Men played Slosh. Phil rested. Wrote Ella.
Monday 28th December 1936
Cold wind.
Out with Eva. Teddy and Bill to T. in Armstrong, then they trying to shoot but no luck. Alys with Tony in car “L” on it. Tony, also later. Dennis and Phil in Lincoln-Zephyr. Saw Bill off by 5.20 Darlington. Jig-saw puzzle in evening.
Tuesday 29th December 1936
Mild.
Letter from Mrs Peterson to Teddy about house. Alys and Phil to Richmond and Goat-Water. I did flowers. Bagatelle. Alys took Tony (he driving) to Richmond in p.m. Phil feeling rather rotten and slight temperature. New boil coming on neck. Olive swelling on figure beginning. Slosh in evening. Not Phil (who to bed early).
Wednesday 30th December 1936
Fine. Sunny. Gale in evening.
I in Austin with Zeus 11.15 to get petrol and then to the T. and left car there for Phil and Teddy and Tony who shooting. I walked back with Zeus, oxen! I called on Blain’s with Zeus, to get him friendly. Dr Woodsend and wife and Elizabeth and Ann and Jerry and Hugh (Repton) and friend James – Glasgow medical, South Africa. Ping-pong. Darts, Billiard-room. Winnie waited as Olive in bed with finger and temperature. Phil played billiards in evening with others.
Thursday 31st December 1936
Rain. Sleet.
Teddy drove Helen and Tony back to town in Lincoln-Zephyr (he had to go to Reynolds Close) Eva in bed to breakfast (Tim’s orders) and sick. Dennis out with men to get earth. I with him and then to Blain’s with Zeus and fetch paper. Wrote Lois. We played Kanugo in evening. Dennis too!
Memo:
Jan 4th (4 weeks from December 7th( 4 cays early 31st December
30th Write Lois
Leave Layton 27th for 31st
5th or the 4th – Sunday?
Paid Mrs Harvey 1/- a week including this week.
The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate 