In 1939, Edward is 63 years old, Kate is 60 years old and Alys is 55 years old. Eva is 30 years old and Philip is 26 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son). James is 1 years old (Eva and Teddy’s son).
Name: Katharine F. Boyd
Private Address: 4 Cambridge Gate, N.W.1
Or Layton Manor, Near Richmond, Yorks.
Telephone No: East Layton 10.
Or Welbeck 4071
Richmond
Sunday 1st January 1939
Snow falls but thaw.
Awoke to heavy snow 6 inches deep. Blue-tit sleeping in my bedroom and one in Phil’s bedroom. Fed birds. All of us out in snowboots in garden and to road-end. Snowplough along. Dr Fothergill came 3.30. Had tea and stayed supper. We did “Are you Sure”. He away at 8.30, backed down drive in thick snow. Fire in my room for 1st time.
Monday 2nd January 1939
Snow. Finer p.m.
Phil fed birds. I lighted fire in top room. Wrote Lucy and Agatha Shore and Marion Berry with folk-dance duets; and bill to Badcock. Dennis and Alys wrote testimonials for Cooper’s. Phil rested in hut. Alys and I backed chair backs. Dennis and Phil up top room after dinner till past 10. Didn’t change. Water cold. Frost.
Tuesday 3rd January 1939
Frost. Fine.
Alys and Dennis away at 10.15 in Lincoln Zephyr. Phil and I in his car to Darlington; to King’s and bird seed shop. Took big iron bars home. Phil rested in hut a.m. and p.m. In top room after tea. Tidied table; chopped kindling, greased skates. Phone at 8.15 from Alys and Dennis who arrived Cambridge Gate 6.30. Talk with Betty about lice. Fire in my room. Phil undressed there, water cold again.
Wednesday 4th January 1939
Hard frost. Snow.
Phil wrote letters. I to Richmond; snow on way back. Mr Clark came 12.15. Talk with Phil in gun room; stayed lunch. Snow fell all p.m. In top room with Phil. Drew factory chimney. Kenneth Blain up. Listened-in Band Waggon. Phil undressed by my fire.
Thursday 5th January 1939
Perfect. Very, very cold.
Hard crusty and packed snow. Phil and I to Richmond. To Mr Brown with letter to type. Up “jail-bank”. Children tobogganing. Phil rested in hut. I drove Blain and Connie Barber to Dr Thompson. Betty to tea with Mrs Barber. Tay Bridge broadcast. Phil wrote Dennis; I also about Blain. Alys and Dennis rang up. Alys in bed – sick-attack all day. Wonderful moonlight on snow.
Friday 6th January 1939
Perfect. 14 degree frost.
Phil and I drove into Richmond, to Mr Brown’s. Both changed cheques and Phil bought rubber Wellingtons. Walked in fields with dogs 12 – 12.45. Snow crusted peanuts on wire. Phil rested in hut. Wrote Alys. In top room, Cyril and Kenneth. Cooper took holly down. Listened-in Finland and Lapland and news. Chilblains or cuts bad.
Saturday 7th January 1939
Thaw. Some rain.
No letters from London. Thaw. Phil in top room with Cyril and Kennieth. Phil and I to Richmond for them to Post Office in my car, as rain and fog. Phil rested in bedroom. Sat by fire and read paper (fetched Times with dogs). Watched 2 tits have supper and then come into Phil’s room and mine, to sleep at 4 o’clock. Tried to draw scene for under bridge. Emptied cans. Listened in in evening.
Memo:
4th Mr Clarke coming, about quarry
5th Wrote Kitty and Amy Steel
Blue tits sleeping in our Venetian blind cases.
Rabbit tracks like nursery-slopes on snow.
Sunday 8th January 1939
Great gale and thaw.
Gale and thaw, rain and sun. Out with dogs. Fed birds. Did flowers. Tried to paint factory chimneys for Phil’s track. Phil in top room most of day and ran red loco with Kenneth, Cyril, Arnold. Listened-in News. Phil’s tit flew about hall at 6.50. My tom-tit didn’t come in.
Monday 9th January 1939
Fine on whole. Some showers.
Phil fetched my car down. We took Ozzy to Vet’s and Phil away by Jubilee. I to Knott’s and Market and Cox-Walker’s. Drove home via Piercebridge and Aldboro’. In gun-room. Read. Knitted. Wireless. Crosswords. Wrote testimonial for Cooper’s. To bed 10.10.
Tuesday 10th January 1939
Very perfect.
(Cheque 15/- for 150 oranges). In gun room all day. Got my car and with Zeus to Hutton for oil, and on to Richmond for zip (cleaned 2/6) and Road Fund form. Did some painting in top room. Wrote Alys. Brander’s cleaned sitting room. Listened-in. Read “Here lies a beautiful lady”.
Wednesday 11th January 1939
Snow. Mildish.
Snow. About 6 or 7 inches. Wet snow. Out to feed birds and about with Zeus. Snowed till dark. In top room painting. Tidied drawer. Dinner 7. At 7.30 Barber drove me/my car to Darlington. Ropes on wheels. Fetched Ozzy. Met Phil; Jubilee 8.48. In gun room. Tits slept in our rooms.
Thursday 12th January 1939
Sun and frost. Lovely.
Fetched cars down (Phil’s car difficult in ice and snow to garage). Phil (in his new grey coat) to visit the Heigham’s at Gilling. I in car (difficult icy lumpy roads) to Richmond. Tyre mended. Hair-cut. Painted gasometer in top room. Phil rested in hut. Cooper to Harrogate about position (with Barber).
Friday 13th January 1939
Sun and frost.
Barber and Blain trying to mend Armstrong battery (cracked by frost). Fed birds. Cut chrysanthemums. Phil in hut in sunshine. Painted upstairs and up about the vice, to garage. After tea, read papers. Phil and I in my car to meet Dennis and Alys at Darlington, Jubilee.
Saturday 14th January 1939
Very cold and frosty. Rain at night.
Dennis and I down to get The Times in the snow with dogs and to the pond by Hind’s cottages. Thick ice. Phil in his hut. Childrens party here (Sunday School). Mr Booth came. At 7.2 we all went to Morritt Arms for dinner (as the 13 children stayed till 9! 16 in West Layton – 3 didn’t come). Dance at Morritt Arms. Home 9.45. in bedroom.
Memo:
9th 3 gallons petrol in Darlington 5/-
10th Oil in car and tin filled 5/6 Hutton
11th car license (road fund tax) £6.0.0
12th Tyre mended and 2 gallons petrol 5.0
15th 4 gallons petrol (Smallways) and upper cylinder oil 6.8
Sunday 15th January 1939
Rain and hail. Thaw. Floods.
Garden and boiler houses flooded. Rain. Floods. Alys and Phil in his car; Dennis and In mine to High Force (24 miles). Good waterfall. Back at 1. In p.m. I to get my car filled up. Dennis and Alys writing advertisement for Cooper’s for 4 newspapers. I printed them out after tea. “Are you Sure” in evening.
Monday 16th January 1939
Showers. Mild.
All to Darlington in my car to take Alys and Dennis to Jubilee. Back by Richmond, Clarkson’s and Post Office for orders. In p.m. I in top room and Cooper up with “Ads” opened, and “charming” row. Phil talked to Barber after tea. I painted upstairs, factories.
Tuesday 17th January 1939
Dull. Drizzly.
Phil out talking to Blain about chickens; and taking notes. Betty Chase phoned and arrived 12.30. In hut with Phil. I wrote long letter to Alys. Did flowers. Betty stayed lunch, tea and dinner. Sat and knitted in p.m. After tea, Phil took her to top room, then all talked downstairs. She left at 8.45. or so, to drive to Leeds.
Wednesday 18th January 1939
Rainy.
Out with dogs in rain. I wrote Doz. Phil slept on and had breakfast before shaving and bath. I mended towel, and Phil’s coat sleeve. Phil in hut in a.m. but in bedroom p.m. Phil wrote Kitty. Band Waggon in evening. Phil talked to Brander about going to see Blain and Barber.
Thursday 19th January 1939
Rain. Mild. Finer at 3.30.
Phil to Blain’s and with him to quarry. I took Blain to Richmond in p.m. to see Hardy (he out). Called on the Bainbridge’s. I shopped. Took Phil’s shoes to Foster’s. Betty and Elizabeth to Ravensworth. Wrote Alys and posted it, enclosing A.R.P. billeting paper. In top room; I painted. Listened-in about China.
Friday 20th January 1939
Mild, dullish.
Phil to Scorton with Blain. Mrs Cooper showed us letter from Fulford Hall, York. Phil took dogs walk. Hilda in to show her burn. I sawed logs. In p.m. I took Blain to Dr Thompson’s, and Zeus. Cooper flurried about posts. Whist-drive and Dance in granary. Zeus slept in gun room. Phil wrote letter (Brander visited Barber’s and Blain’s)
Saturday 21st January 1939
Dull. Mild.
Cooper to Simonburn. Out and about, Phil with dogs. Inspected mess made by party last night. Rhododendron. Got logs. Painted railing and green bank on track side, oil paints. Kenneth up. Did a lot of green wool on black jumper. Variety in evening.
Memo:
Alys arriving 3.51 Monday
Ordered oranges Jan 10th from Liverpool.
Sunday 22nd January 1939
Dull and rainy. Mild.
Out with Phil and dogs upstairs, painting scene near castellated bridge. Arnold and Cyril. Wrote Alys, read papers. Phil in hut. After tea, painted railings in top room. All 3 boys up.
Monday 23rd January 1939
Finer day.
Blain brought Zeus down, 1st time. I took dogs out by orchard. Phil and Blain (who begins work again) to order setting eggs at Cowton, Phil’s car. Lunch 1. To meet Alys at 3.51 train Pullman. Phil and I in my car. Also met Hilda. Cooper to Hull about job, and great phoning to Dennis about reference and Ridley Hull job. Phil did it.
Tuesday 24th January 1939
Sunny. Cold.
Phil and Blain gave candy to bees. Alys and I to Richmond. Out of petrot at Cherry’s. Got logs down. Alys and I in top room with Phil and boys. Painted rails. Cooper twitted about Hull and wire sent to Ridley (Simonburn).
Wednesday 25th January 1939
Snow.
Took dogs out. To see incubator with Phil and he took dogs on. Blain lighting lamp. Saw paraffin drums, 100 gallons each. In top room painting railings. Alys there knitting. Snowed in night. Band Waggon. Phil’s inoculation.
Thursday 26th January 1939
Snow, but milder.
All snowy again. Musical box and table to Hall. Alys and I to Richmod. Bought “War-Stores” tins, bolts, locks. In p.m. cleared out mask cupboard and put tins in it. In top-room after tea, putting posters on fence, with Kenneth and Arnold. News very war-scary. Barcelona taken by insurgents (France).
Friday 27th January 1939
Snow showers.
With Phil to East Layton for letters. Alys and I to Richmond for more “War Stores” and petrol (2 cans of rusks). Postcard to Doz about B. Chase’s address. All of us in my car to meet Dennis by Jubilee but it nearly an hour late.
Saturday 28th January 1939
(no weather)
Knitted. With Phil to see incubator again before tea. Put sugar in bins and tins for the war-stores cupboard. Snowing. My boil beginning on angle of jaw (angry spot).
Memo:
30th 10.45 Phil to Badcock
Wrote Aunt Bella 23rd with snapshots of Phil and dogs in snow.
Sunday 29th January 1939
Cold. Dull.
Out in snow. “Are you sure” in evening.
Monday 30th January 1939
Cold. Dull.
All in my car to take Dennis to Jubilee. Phil to Mr Badcock 10.45. Alys and I shopped. To Clevedon garage for battery. Armstrong. Cooper showed Ridley’s letter about going on 8th. Alys and I to Richmond in p.m. Alys and I painted round fireplace in top room. Listened-in to Hitler’s speech. 7.5. and news.
Tuesday 31st January 1939
Dull.
Alys and I to Richmond. Phil with engine men. Zeus came back at 2 with hysteria(?) after hunting.
Wednesday 1st February 1939
Very cold. Dull.
Very little out. Fed birds’ another tit ball, 24 hours all gone. Phil and Blain to get 150 eggs for incubator. Alys and I painted red brolac round fireplace. Water cold. Bandwagon on in evening.
Thursday 2nd February 1939
Very, very cold. 12 degrees below in night. Some sun.
Phil letter from Dennis. Bill Cave with Dennis at 4 Cambridge Gate. Negative for 2nd time running. All to Darlington in Armstrong. Phil to dentist. I bought Barbola and paints and coconut. To King’s. Home at 1 o’clock. In p.m. Alys and I and Zeus to the Green’s at White House. Returned engraving. In top room after tea. Barbola on biscuit tin. Listened in Pacific and news. Very cold.
Friday 3rd February 1939
Very cold. 1 degree. Sunny.
Boil on jaw big and nasty. To incubator and about feeding birds. Alys and Phil to Richmond in Phil’s car. Mr Clarke and brother (Ken) to lunch and talk. Did barbola on tin after tea. Phil ran Mitch’s engine. Doz rang up in evening, about Miss Hunt’s school for here in event of war. Alys rang Doz again later. Ilon salve on my boil and pad of gauze.
Saturday 4th February 1939
Mild. Dull.
I to Richmond with Phil, postal order 4/6 for leather for Dennis’ knees and 1lb wool for Dennis’ pullover 6/8. Phil saw Paxton. Phil did silver checking with list and Brander in p.m. Alys also until 6.30 from 3 p.m! Tea in between. I began Dennis’ new brown pullover.
Memo:
2nd Phil negative 2nd time running
4th eggs turned, in incubator 1st time.
To Cowton 2nd, 3rd night 18 degrees below zero
Go 2oz more Dennis’ pullover browl wool 6/8
1 lb 7/6
Sunday 5th February 1939
Mild and sunny. Spring-like.
Phil talked to Cooper. Account books. Alys and I in still room (old curtain box). I took dogs round quarry. Alys put hot formentation on my boil, which very big with several heads (5 p.m.) I on sofa, keeping quiet. “Are you sure” in evening. Another forment. No bath. Fire in my bedroom.
Monday 6th February 1939
Very mild. Sunny and spring-like.
Alys dress my boil before breakfast. At breakfast, she told us she had return of old pain in tummy all week; so all to Darlington and Alys to London, Jubilee. Back. I put petrol cans in bin. Phil did my boil 2 p.m. I called on Mrs Barber 2.30 – 3.15 Phil did my boil again 5. In garden (both) snowdrops and aconite. Phil in top room. Alys and Dennis phoned 8.20. Listened in News.
Tuesday 7th February 1939
Very mild. Grey.
Phil did my boil. I saw Mrs Cooper about orders. Phil out seeing Blain, Barber, Cooper. I fetched Times with Zeus. Cooper in 2 with account books. Phil did my boil. I wrote ALys. Mr Booth to goodbye to Cooper’s and tea with us. After dinner, News and Phil and I in at 9.45 to say goodbye to Mrs Cooper, who with Cyril away by bus at 8.30 a.m.
Wednesday 8th February 1939
Mild. Fine.
Lorry came at 9 a.m. and Cooper and furniture away at 10.30. Mrs Barber in at 8.30. I round house with her, and settling meals. Everything filthy and untidy beyond description. We cleared out seed chest of drawers, next to Laundry. All the Coopers’ rooms. Listened in News. Phil dressed my carbuncle several times during day.
Thursday 9th February 1939
Mild. Showers.
Mrs Barber in at 8.30, till 10 p.m. Phil did my boil 3 times. I drove in his car to Richmond, to buy scrubbing brushes, pastry board. I sewed leather on Dennis’s knickerbockers. Still clearing out rooms. Phil in top room. Phil and I in Armstrong to meet Alys 8.48.
Friday 10th February 1939
Mild. Fine.
Boil better. Last pus coming out. Mason doing birds nests from chimneys. All of us, all day (except for Alys and I to Richmond in a.m.) tidying out rooms, arcade, kitchen, cellar. Barber and Binks too, bonfire. Alys and I took paper off windows and put rugs. Alys, Phil and I to meet Dennis 8.48. Armstrong. Zeus has 3 hysteria fits on 10th.
Saturday 11th February 1939
Very fine and mild.
All wandering about house. Alys and I still tidying. Alys gave notice to Elizabeth who left at 1.15. I to Richmond. At 1, Alys and Dennis in Armstrong to meet Miss Hunt (who came to inspect Layton as A.R.P. place to evacuate school from Chelsea to, in case of War). Phil did my boil, which nearly well.
Memo:
Phil positive this week.
8th Cooper’s leave. Mrs Barber comes in 8.30 to cook.
Sunday 12th February 1939
Fine on whole.
Dry dressing on boil at 215. Miss Hunt wandering round, making notes. All in Armstrong, by Greta Bridge, Abbey Bridge, Barnard Castle to Darlington. Miss Hunt away 12.20. Quiet p.m. Dennis and Phil billiards till 8.50. “Are you sure”. To bed 9.35.
Monday 13th February 1939
Mild. Fine a.m.
All in my car to Darlington. Dennis, Alys and Phil off by Jubilee. I shopped. Hat. Read papers; knitted Dennis’ pullover. Listened in. Oz out at teatime and all night at The Elgy’s farm. No bath. Had it in a.m. instead.
Tuesday 14th February 1939
Grey. Mild.
Talk to Mrs Barber and then Mrs Lever. Depressing! To Richmond via Ravensworth or Meynell’s. Got galvanised iron oval wash bath. Read papers in p.m. Kept Ozzy in from teatime onwards and night. Listened in Pope Pius XI’s funeral. All day (and 13th and 15th) in Phil’s sitting-room (gun-room). I with Brander to put Zeus to bed as he lay down yesterday 4 times en route. Darned sheet.
Wednesday 15th February 1939
Cool. Sun and grey p.m.
To Richmond with Zeus. Bought pail 1/1 at Husband’s, and 1/- for kneeling pads and blind cord. In p.m, drove to Ireland’s (with Zeus) and called on Mrs J. and Olive (on holiday) doing rag carpet. Went to fetch Ozzy from Elgy’s after tea. Listened-in Bandwagon in evening. To bed 9.50.
Thursday 16th February 1939
Perfect all day.
Threaded nuts (tits). With both dogs for Times. Outdoors. In sitting room again. Did flowers – mimosa and camellias. To Richmond at 12 and sale at Gilling, on way. Got Roller-towel rain. In p.m. rested, and took car back and Mrs and Miss Brown called 3.30 – 4.20. Betty over tired. I to Darlington, starting 7.45 to meet Alys and Phil by Jubilee.
Friday 17th February 1939
Very cold. Grey.
Alys and I to Richmond, and to sale at Gilling on way. Phil tidying top room. After lunch, Phil paid wages and puzzle about the insurance money. He wrote Cooper. Advert for handyman in Yorkshire Post too. In top room and Zeus tiny fit before his tea. Oz very sick in basket! News and lion tie-er up in evening.
Saturday 18th February 1939
Very fine.
Alys and Phil to Richmond. I for Times with dogs. Stove leaked and Alys to get Paxton at Richmond. Alys and Phil to tea at the Heigham’s. Zeus had a little fit. I met Hilda at Richmond and to see “Mad about Music” Deanna Durbin at cinema. Motored back by 9. Supper in sitting-room.
Memo:
Phil to Chandler 14th?
14th at Singleton’s filleted plaice 1/-
2lbs cod for fish-pie so 1/6
9d instead 10d
Mrs Lever 3 days and Saturday
18th gloves cleaned 5d
Ready Saturday
Sunday 19th February 1939
Perfect day.
I with Phil round garden and to orchard. Oz off to Elgy’s again. Phil painted engine and I painted him till 12.15. In top room, Alys and I learning to make screw on rods. “Are you sure” in evening and News.
Monday 20th February 1939
Perfect day.
Depressing talk about overwork by Alys and Brander. Phil rested outdoors. All 3 raked path. Alys and I to call on Mrs Waller at Forcett Hall in p.m. She out. (Portraits by Quits!) Alys and I did more rods, in top room.
Tuesday 21st February 1939
Cold and duller
Alys, I and Phil in my car to Richmond to see Berengaria things for sale and dog basket. Alys and I to Darlington in p.m. (my car) to price dog baskets. Ordered a 10/- one for Ozzie. “Drawer” for Zeus. Alys got chest.
Wednesday 22nd February 1939
Dull and cold.
All a.m. talks about Branders, Hilda. Knitted Dennis’ pullover. At 4 all in my car to Barnard Castle and coffee and biscuits at Crow’s Nest (Stewart’s). Talkative ladies! Bandwagon in evening.
Thursday 23rd February 1939
Dull and very cold wind.
Phil wrote answers to appointments for handyman job. We to greenhouse, and to see chicks out of eggs. Alys and I to Richmond in p.m. I drove and we took Betty and Hilda in; and Nancy, Syvlia Spruce and Dorothy Marshall of home. Alys sick in evening. Listened in to Boxing. Boon.v.
Friday 24th February 1939
Perfect day.
Alys and Phil off by 10.15 to Morpeth to see “handyman”. I to Ravensworth for yeast and to Elgy’s about milk for Blain. Saw new chicks in hover, 1st day. Stones and sods on drive. Mended, in Phil’s hut in p.m. and brushed chair in my room. Alys and Phil back 5.45. Phil rested and after dinner, all in Armstrong to meet Dennis by Jubilee (Phil and Alys drove nearly 170 miles in the day).
Saturday 25th February 1939
Sunny and cold.
Dennis and Phil out and then top room. Talked a lot about new handyman (to come). Dennis rested all a.m. Alys and I to Ravensorth, and to see Mrs Wardle (about lodgings) and to Richmond, for Stockton and Darlington Times and priced hover for 150 chicks. Listened in very poor music-hall.
Memo:
Phil negative and no pus this week.
Sunday 26th February 1939
Bright sun. Very cold wind.
Sent cheque 16/- for oranges to Liverpool. All 4 of us walked to quarry; with dogs. 8 men working there. Mr Robertson (dentist from Windermere), patient of Dennis’ through Rosamund Butt, to dinner. Went at 2.30. Dennis rested then turning butter-dish lathe. Dennis and Phil billiards after supper. “Are you sure” in evening.
Monday 27th February 1939
Some sun and showers.
All to Darlington and Dennis off by Jubilee. We to buy hover at Wear’s and took back beer bottles. Home by 12.15. Knitted. Fetched Times. Alys wrote Mrs Cooper about Brander’s hand. Alys and I moved brick drawers in top room. To cellar in evening.
Tuesday 28th February 1939
Heavy showers. Cold.
Alys and I to Richmond, got thermometer for the hover (chicks) and priced oilcloths for kitchen. Alys and Phil at 4 o’clock to Coundon (near Bishop Auckland) to see Thomas Chambers. I to North Cowton to see Nancy Chilton (as maid). I back at 6. They at 6.20.
Wednesday 1st March 1939
Perfect day. Cool.
In spare (maid’s) room with Alys. Alys and I in Phil’s car to Coundon, via Shildon. Engaged T. Chambers. Back to lunch. After, picked snowdrops and camellias (last). Nancy Chilton came to see place (cycled). Alys and I to Barnard Castle for haddock. Bought stool 3/6 and wool work coat 3/-. Bandwagon – Stinker (R. Murdoch) back. Dennis rang up.
Thursday 2nd March 1939
Dull, milder, windy.
Alys wrote Eva for Friday a.m. post. All to Richmond. Phil’s hair cut. (Ford 8). Phil to visit Wardle and walked home at 12.45. Rested on sofa. In p.m. all ready for Mrs Waller! And Alys and I cleared china from pantry. After tea, Phil doing accounts and Alys and I helping. Also after dinner till 9. News.
Friday 3rd March 1939
Showery. Dull.
Letter from Nancy Chilton’s mother (saying accepts). Alys and I in my car to Aldbro’ to get character for Mrs Wishaw? of Nancy. On to North Cowton to the Childon’s, Myton Terrace. Mrs Waller of Forcett Hall called at 3.10. Alys to Ravensowrth to see Coats (decorator). I in top room. Phil oiling butter dish.
Saturday 4th March 1939
Rainy. Mild.
Coats came early about washing kitchen and Alys’ big bed. Alys and Phil to Richmond in Armstrong and filled with petrol at Richmond. In p.m. I drove to Barnard Castle. To Post Office and sent off Alys’ suit for Jimmy by air-mail to Cairo and cross-stitch cat to Kitty. Also bought work-table at Little’s Antiques 10/0 (with E.P.D’s last present). Alys swept top room and we went on tidying it till dinner-time. Wester Bros, very good in evening.
Memo:
Phil negative this week (2nd time)
150 oranges (26th) 16/-
Hilda’s weekend out 4th
Sunday 5th March 1939
Fine. Cold
All measuring big four poster. Alys half-tester beds. Out across field to get dogs, who off hunting. Washed and sandpapered croquet set. After tea, walked up and looked at chickens in hew hover. “Are you sure” and read newspapers. News.
Monday 6th March 1939
Cool. Fine.
Phil to Richmond to meet Thomas Chambers at 10.30. Alys and I to Richmond, squeegee, priced lino. All put handles on maid’s chest of drawers. Alys and I to North Cowton but Nancy ‘flu so couldn’t come back with us. I took note to Miss Green at White House and Alys to Coat’s, Ravensworth. In top room doing croquet hoops. To East Layton for letters.
Tuesday 7th March 1939
Cold. Sun and wind.
Coats (joiner) came to see box-spring mattress. Brander and Tom helped with mattersses. In p.m. I took Phil’s car to Cruddace for back axle and gear box to be greased 1/-. Got my hair trimmed 1/-. To Paxton’s. Paid Singleton’s book. Miss Green to tea. Alys began packing. She slept in single bed in windows.
Wednesday 8th March 1939
Rain and sleet till 2.30. Very cold.
Phil in my car to Norman’s about coke. Alys packing. I, odd jobs. Phil rested in my room before and after lunch, and at 2.30 Alys and he away in his car (open – just stopped sleeting!). Fetched Times with both dogs. Read paper. Threaded peanuts. Alys and Phil got to Lincoln and stayed at White Hart.
Thursday 9th March 1939
Perfect day.
In smoke-room. Mr Coates here early and took Alys and Dennis’ bed (half-tester) down and also green four-poster and moved it into Alys and Dennis’ room. Barber, Brander, Blain, Tom Chambers helping. Stair-carpets taken up. I to Richmond in p.m. with Zeus. Got bacon and petrol. Took bed-spread to be dyed. Listened in. Finished knitting Dennis’ pullover.
Friday 10th March 1939
Perfect day.
In smoke-room. I drove to Darlington. To Mr Badcock who stopped my front tooth. Paid butcher’s bill on way home at Aldboro’. Branders cleaned No 3 (green) bedroom. Men sawed wood (posts). I filed rust off croquet hoops in top room. Sewed zip in Alys’ tweed skirt. Alys phoned to me from 4 Cambridge Gate.
Saturday 11th March 1939
Rain and mist.
With dogs for Times. Painted croquet hoops white. Unpicked bed draperies in laundry. Lunch 12.45. Took the Branders to East Layton for bus to Darlington 1.35. Undid macramé and velvet off table from Cooper’s. Very dusty. Hilda served my tea and dinner. Ironed Dennis’ pullover in kitchen, before tea. Sewed it up (not quite all) during evening. Listened in musical hall and news. Barber took Zeus to bed.
Memo:
7th Sent off Mrs Cooper’s gasmasks.
11th Branders to Darlington
Hitler took Czecho-Slovakia – 13th, 14th, 15th
Sunday 12th March 1939
Lovely day – cool wind.
Out in quarry field with Zeus and Ozzy. Then picked Scylla and Chionadora and Primulas and looked at lovely peach-blossom. Wrote Alys at Tankerton, and Kitty (wilts). Sat in Phil’s hut with dogs and threaded peanuts; watched nut-hatch on them. Took nails from round table. Read papers. Barber took Betty and Hilda to Whorlton Bridge. Finished Abbess of Vlaye.
Monday 13th March 1939
Fair. Some sun in p.m.
Letter from Alys (they didn’t go to Tankerton). Blain and Tom took down curtains and draperies in bedrooms 4 and 5. Single bed moved. I helped and unpicked draperies and Blain did lights in Alys’ room. I in arcade doing curtains. Branders washed paid and began yellow room. Wrote Dennis. Sawed logs. Listened in – submarine play.
Tuesday 14th March 1939
Fine. Sunny.
Barber, Binks, Tom and Brander beat stair and other carpets. Paxton and Askisson fitting new chimney to stove (heater) and in cleaned chimney and kitchen chimney and Alys’ room and sitting-room chimney. I to Richmond at 1.30 and on to North Cowton for Nancy Chilton’s luggage. She bicycled to Layton (I met her). Wire wool on table. Phil’s carpet laid and furniture back.
Wednesday 15th March 1939
Dull. Dry.
Coates whitewashed milk larder. Men put Alys’ wardrobe in position. Room cleaned. With Nancy helping the Branders I did curtain stuff. In p.m. I called on the Cliff’s and Johnson’s about rent and Mr Clark. To Blain’s and returned book. To Wardle’s about Tom and boarding. Bad news about Hitler taking Slovakia, Bohemia? Moravia. End of Czecho-Slovakia. Final Bandwagon. Farewells.
Thursday 16th March 1939
Showers. Tiny sun glimpse.
Wrote Phil (letter from him from Birchington) and Alys. Coates cleaning kitchen. Dogs off hunting at 10 and out till 3 p.m! I did curtain stuff, fringes. Lunched 12.30. To Darlington. Bought matting (kitchen) at Bainbridge Barker’s and lino (pantry) at Binn’s. cloth and strip lino at Woolworth’s. Rod of Phil’s cupboard. Back at 4.35. Tea. Wrote letters. Poz Chappell’s. Eva’s room spring-cleaned. Listened. Gains v. Len Harvey.
Friday 17th March 1939
Dull
My room spring-cleaned and landing upstairs. With dogs to get Times. Did curtain stuff a bit. Blain put bar in Phil’s cupboard. Took bananas to post to Dennis at Ravensworth with Zeus. After tea, I paid wages. Wrote Doz and Mrs Dodd (Registry Office) with cheque and Minnie. Brander nearly stunned himself on Minemax. Listened in Mr Chamberlain’s speech on Hitler. Broken promises.
Saturday 18th March 1939
Dull. Slight rain.
Letter from Alys from Birchington. To look for Times, with dogs. Zeus’ basket came from Binns’ (19.6). I mended mats for kitchen and one pair of curtains which I hung on wooden rings on Alys’ and Dennis’ four-poster bed. Mrs Barber to Darlington. Brander to Richmond. Listened in music hall and news at 6 and 9. Grave international news. Phil negative – 3rd time running.
Memo:
13th Write Dennis for birthday – his pullover finished and began Phil’s green quicknit this week.
17th Pay wages
15th boil (which began Jan 28th) sent forth pus again!
Sunday 19th March 1939
Cold wind. Dull.
Still in smoke-room. Took dogs in quarry field and they ran off at 11 and only returned at 3.45. Put twigs by back drive hedge. Read papers and listened in news and Miserables and Giles Playfair on “Lyric”. Ranelagh singing.
Monday 20th March 1939
Sunny, windy.
In gun-room. To get Times with dogs. Did bookshelves with Branders. Sitting-room cleaned. In p.m. with Blain to East Cowton to get 150 eggs. Dead baby rabbit found in Reservoir!!! Mrs Smith (Tom’s mother) came to take him away. But he wouldn’t go. Wrote Phil. Listened in Maurice Chevalier and Gracie Fields.
Tuesday 21st March 1939
Dull.
Took dogs to get Times. Talked to Barber and Mrs B about Tom who will probably leave. To Richmond. Shopped. Petrol and can full too. Met Miss Brown and (after seeing Surveyor from R.D.C. about billeting) to tea at Dunsa Bank. Dogs hunted until dark. Alys and Phil rang up from 4 Cambridge Gate.
Wednesday 22nd March 1939
Fine. Strong west wind.
Out to reservoir (emptied) and Atkinson (the Mason) and Tom swept it (got out rabbit). I had sandwiches, as others back to lunch at 11.45. Armstrong got bogged. Johnson (ex P.C.) helped. Dogs ran off, when I fetched Times at 3.45. Long walk and brought them back. Phoned to Alys at 8.35. News. No bath. Sent Night Telegraph letter at 11 p.m.
Hitler enters Memel.
Thursday 23rd March 1939
Lovely day. Cold wind.
Put adverts in St and Darlington Times and Northern Echo for handyman. Tom Chambers gave weeks notice. I to Richmond, with Zeus to get Alys letter but none there. Leak in hot pipe so to Richmond again in p.m. To get Paxton, took Ozzy. Left message. Home. Wrote Mr Clark. Mr Booth to tea. Wrote Alys hurriedly after. No bath, as reservoir still only filling up.
Friday 24th March 1939
Sun and hail. Snowy at 7.20.
Took dogs to get Times. Put sticky paper on back staircase windows. Dogs off hunting. Blain came and said Barnes complained they chased his sheep. At 2.30 I drove to Darlington, taking Hilda (weekend off). Paid Binns’ bill. Shopped. Blain in at 5 saying “not really chasing Barnes’ sheep”. So need not be killed. Wrote Alys. Mended chair in my room.
Saturday 25th March 1939
Fine, sun. Snow too.
Snow on ground – all white. In Dining-room again. Phil phoned that they had engaged Jack Thompson (by wire) for April 3rd. Took dogs to get Times. Took Zeus to Richmond. Ozzy tied up in mid-kitchen. In p.m. took Ozzy a walk then to Wardle’s about Jack’s boarding. Ironed Phil’s cushion covers and Dennis’ pullover. Painted croquet set. Barbers to supper with Bainbridges. I phoned Alys and Phil about Jack Thompson’s address and Mrs Wardle’s price for board. Phil negative 4th time running.
Memo:
24th slight temperature, he said reaction
20th Eva sails on Dilwara?
21st Phil to Chandler
19th Boil pus out again
Sunday 26th March 1939
Cold. Dull.
Took both dogs out to road-end. Then sewed cushion covers on Phil’s cushions, in hut. Hot sunshine. After dinner (Nancy waited, as Branders to Barnard Castle) took Ozzy a walk. Wrote Alys and Lois and Chappell’s. Mended chair in Phil’s bedroom. News of Mussolini’s speech.
Monday 27th March 1939
Cold. Sleety. Snow.
To see Connie Barber who is to go to Hospital 28th appendix. Took dogs for Times, (sleet and snow). Fed birds. Picked flowers and arranged them. Helped Brander lay top stair carpets. After lunch, took Ozzy walk in sleet. Fixed Alys lamp in bedpost. Sewed extensions on arm-chair covers. All Barbers to Darlington in p.m. Shop for Connie. Lois’ letter of Frank Rush’s death came.
Tuesday 28th March 1939
Cold sleet most of day.
To Richmond, to fetch fish, blankets. Forgot blankets and so had to return for them! Helped Brander get lino down in pantry. Alys phoned from Catterick 12.50. She and Phil arrived home 1.10. Lunch. Talk in p.m. in bedroom. Mrs Barber with Connie, to Hospital at 2 o’clock. Arranged bedroom with Alys.
Wednesday 29th March 1939
Dull and cold.
Alys away by Jubilee, she and I to Darlington in Ford 8. I back by Pincebridge 35 minutes 15 miles? Mr Clark to lunch. Phil rested in hut in p.m. I looked out chair covers. Phil drawing engine plan, and I painting croquet sticks upstairs. Listened in rather good Folderols.
Thursday 30th March 1939
Dull and glint of sun.
Barber and Brander carried cupboard up for Phil’s tools. Phil no rest at 12.15. Phil and I to Richmond, his car. He to Bank and paid Singleton’s bill. All p.m. (after taking dogs walks separately). I answered applicants’ letters. Sewed cover on Alys room chair for Hoult’s. Helped Phil put tools in cupboard (Alys and Dennis to Southampton to meet Eva and James). Letter from Lois about Kenneth Shoesmith.
Friday 31st March 1939
Very dull. Quiet.
I to Richmond to change £15 cheque at Phil’s Bank and £5 for self. Paid Meynall’s bill, Ravensworth. Took Oz for walk. Wrote Alys. In top room doing croquet hoops and Phil drawing engine. Eva phoned from Cambridge Gate (arrived Southampton 8 a.m.)
Saturday 1st April 1939
Dull.
Listened in Boat Race. Cambridge won by 5 lengths (aeroplane!) Fetched Times with Ozz. Took Zeus little walk. Phil began his engine. I painting croquet in top room at 2.10 when Hilda saw man come about Ozzy killing a lamb. Talked to him (Elgy’s Hind Rush) and got Phil. Afterwards to look at lamb and show Ozzy it and talk to policeman (Spruce). Felt sick, and was very sick at about 6.15. Didn’t go in to dinner. Had grapefruit. Listened in News. Hitler’s speech at Wilhelmshaven. To bed 9.35.
Memo:
Phil positive.
Sick because of shock about Ozzy arresting digestion.
31st Eva and Jimmy arrived from Cairo.
Pickin 8 weeks to March 30th 5.12.0.
Rent at 14/- 72 Adelaide Road.
Phil began his engine.
Sunday 2nd April 1939
Mild. Dullish.
Phil took Oz for walk. I darned towel. In top room painting croquet hoops. Took Zeus out. After dinner, read papers. At 6, I to see Elgy about Ozzy and Lamb. Grave news. Told Phil who resting on bed. Decided Oz must be put down. After dinner. Phil rang up 4 Cambridge Gate. “Are you sure” and News.
Monday 3rd April 1939
Perfect. Sun. Warm.
Phil to Wardle’s about Jack Thompson. I took Oz a last walk. Lunch 12.15 (after Phil resting outdoors and me beside him). At 12.45 Phil in his car to Darlington with Ozzy beside him to go to Hills’ (Vet’s). Left Ozzy and met Jack Thompson at station 1.30. Hoult’s brought boxes, chair and took chair. Phil unpacking boxes after tea.
Tuesday 4th April 1939
Dull.
Men – Barber, Jack, Brander, Blain – up in Alys’ bedroom and moved big furniture. Blain did electric light. We straightened underfelt. Up again at 1.30 to put things back. I put away china from drawing-room. In top room. Phil and Ken croquet sticks.
Wednesday 5th April 1939
Perfect. Warm.
Phil and I to Richmond, he to station about bills. I shops. Phil rested outside. I altered his shirt collar and mended dressing gown in hot sunshine. After lunch, goldfish dying (in salt). I with Betty in Boot hole! And varnished Alys’ bed posts. Pond weed with Phil and rail mending while Zeus after rabbits. Alys phoned at 8.15. Folderols. Mended Phil’s trousers.
Thursday 6th April 1939
Lovely day.
Eva’s boxes, cot, pram came by Hoults’. (crate of oranges and grapefruit). I to Richmond in Phil’s car. Blain doing my brakes. Phil fed. Bees. Arranged bedrooms. Squeegee in arcade with Hilda. American cloth on pastry shelves, with Brander. Croquet set and tided top room. Dennis’ things.
Italians invaded – 7th Albania
Friday 7th April 1939
Fine. Very cold.
Arranged rooms, ready for Dennis, Alys and Eva and James. Did a bit of weeding on rockery. Took M.E’s up to top room. Phil rested outside. In p.m. did flowers. At 5.10 Lincoln Zephyr arrived with Dennis, Alys, Eva and James. Tea. Out in garden. James to bed. Dennis and Phil in billiard room after dinner.
Saturday 8th April 1939
Dull. Cold.
Alys and Phil to Darlington for bee candy. James rested 11 – 1.15. Eva unpacked. I to Richmond in p.m. – Bank, potato crisps, Zeus’ rusks. Dressed for dinner. Bad music-hall on wireless.
Memo:
Phil negative
Paid Pickin to May 25th
7th Dennis, Alys, Eva and James came to Layton
(3rd Ozzy put to sleep by injection at Hills’)
Sunday 9th April 1939
Dull. Mild.
Phil fed big hive candy. Dennis and Phil making wooden engine for James. He slept 11 – 1.15. Eva and I out with James in p.m. Eva back and I had James alone, in pram, chickens feeding. Dennis and Phil in billiard-room after dinner. News and “Are you Sure”. James awake and crying. Trying no nappies. Bad night for Eva.
Monday 10th April 1939
Lovely. Warm.
All in garden. Lovely sun when James asleep 11 o’clock. Alys and Eva to Darlington for pasteurising pans. I did flowers. After lunch, Phil sowed clover seed. I raked. Read papers. Alys took James out and Eva had sleep on bed. Dennis and Phil in top room.
Tuesday 11th April 1939
Lovely. Warm.
Alys and I to Richmond in Phil’s car. I took snapshots of James and Dennis and Alys and Eva. Alys decided at 3.30 that I should go up to London with Dennis; so packed up, after helping a bit in top room. Dennis and Phil making wooden engine for Jimmie till 7.30, so no one changed.
London
Wednesday 12th April 1939
Perfect 77 degrees.
At 10.30 or so Dennis and I in Lincoln Zephyr away but stopped at Legge’s (Foxhall Inn) and Phil, Eva and James too in Phil’s car to talk about porch. We (Dennis and I) lunched at black and white bridge. On and home to 4 Cambridge Gate by 4.50 or so. Florence and Kimbo. Coffee. Dennis out to Chandos Street at 8. Meeting of Marylebone Division Medical men to organising for emergency. Folderols. Unpacked.
Thursday 13th April 1939
Lovely. Windy.
Heard portrait accepted London Portrait Society. Took Kimbo short walk. Then tube and bus to County Hall; got Driving License renewed (expired December 31st 1938!) Selfridge’s and bought 2 American nightgowns. Eva’s. Took Kimbo out again in p.m. Dennis in 7.30 but out again after dinner to Meeting, Bacteriologists. I phoned Fred Barnard’s (Poz and Doz) at 5.30.
Friday 14th April 1939
Mild. Dull.
Sent Jimmie’s things to Eva. Got car out, and took Kimbo to park and on to Selfridge’s for dispatch case. Home; out to lunch with Poz and Doz 1.15 (tube and bus). At 3.30 to Lilian’s for hair (4/6). Home 6. News. Dennis to Tunbridge Wells and in at 8.10; out again to Bulstrode after News 9.20. heard Jim Archer in Bulstrode House with shingles.
Saturday 15th April 1939
Dull. Windy.
Took Kimbo in car to Park. Back. In car to Mansfield Street. On to Bank and London Portrait Society Varnishing Day. Lois there. Doris Pocock after to me, after paying books. I Income Tax reclaim papers all p.m. Dennis in 4.10. Tea. Took Kimbo out 6 o’clock. News. Roosevelt’s message to the Dictators.
Memo:
Phil Negative.
11th Phil fed end hives.
14th Lunch 1.15 Fred Barnard’s
3.30 Lilian
15th 11 Lois Varnishing Day.
Sunday 16th April 1939
Dull, foggy, quite fine in p.m. Sunny.
Breakfast 8 which was 9 a.m. as changed to Summer Time. Dennis and I in Lincoln Zephyr to Furzecroft for Francis Heanley. Drove to West Worthing. Walk with Heanley’s. Dinner. At 3, Phli Sime called for me. To their flat. Tea. They took me a drive, then back to Heanley’s. Supper (young Sam or Charles, Peter’s brother 2 month’s younger than James). Drove back, taking Francis Heanley. To Bulstrode 1040. “Are you Sure” 11.15.
Monday 17th April 1939
Windy. Fine on whole.
Out in car to 77 King Henry’s Road. Took Kimbo on Primrose Hill. To High Street and Selfridge’s. Home. In p.m. wrote Alys. At 3.30 to Burlington Galleries to London Portrait Society. Private View. Tea at Ridgeway’s with Lois, Muriel and Paul. Home. Took Kimbo in Park. Dennis back 8.
Tuesday 18th April 1939
Fine. Fresh.
To Ernest V. Miles. Raymond Buidings 11 to discuss my Will and re-make it. Also E.B’s shaky mortgage. To Ponting’s after. Lunch 1.30. Sewed Kitty’s silk dress. Took Kimbo in park. Dennis in 7.50. Listened News and debate. Conscription. Dennis wrote to Alys.
Wednesday 19th April 1939
Lovely. Warmer.
Drove to Lois’. Walk on Heath with her and Kimbo. On to Sissie’s till 12.10. Took her to shops. Home. To Saville Theatre 2.30 to see “Johnson over Jordan”, Priestley. Ralph Richardson. Got queue ticket for Queen’s. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Egg in kitchen (Florence out). To Pit Queen’s “Dear Octopus” Gielgud, Marie Tempest, Angela Baddeley. Dennis out dinner. U.C.H and meeting Morrison Davis.
Thursday 20th April 1939
Fine. Hot.
To China mending shop, and cobbler near Edgware Road with Kimbo in car. To 77 King Henry’s Road. Back. In p.m. did dress account, to 2 Ranworth Mansions, tea with Ethel and Josephine. Drove Miss Reid up to Oakhill Park. No petrol, garage near Chalk Farm. Back 6. Dennis in 7. Out after dinner to a meeting.
Friday 21st April 1939
Fine. Hot.
Letter to Dennis from Alys so decided to go to Layton. To pay books Marylebone High Stret. Took Kimbo in Park. Packed. After lunch, out with Kimbo again by canal and put car away. At 5 Dennis came and (with Monty) to King’s Cross. Jubilee to Darlington. Dinner with very nice pilot. Alys and Phil met us in Ford 8 and all to Layton. Marion Berry staying there. Eva, after bath, down. Talked till 10.15 or so.
Saturday 22nd April 1939
Very wind. Cool. Sun and showers. Hail.
Sat in garden in sun. Phil rested outside. In p.m. I walked with Eva and James in pram to East Layton. After tea, learnt to sterilise the milk; from Alys. All dressed for dinner. Knitting and wireless after.
Memo:
Phil positive this week (or last week)
18th 11 a.m. E.V.M.
17th Private View – London Portrait Society
19th 2.15 Saville Theatre – Johnson over Jordan.
21st in hand of Alys 8/- 4 Cambridge Gate.
22nd with Lois to Paul Faraday’s 11.45 Golders Green station
Sunday 23rd April 1939
Cold. Some sun.
About in garden. Phil and Dennis in top room. Dennis took James a walk in gardens. Looked at Heraldry book. Alys and I arranged about night-nursery furniture. “Are you sure” in evening with Marion Berry.
Monday 24th April 1939
Cool. Fineish.
Dennis, Alys and Phil to London by Jubilee. I to Darlington with them, and drove Ford 8 back. I to Richmond in p.m. to take advertisements for couple. Sent off my Inland Tax claim. Captain and Mrs Pulleine called. Showed them garden and hothouses. Tea too. James upstairs. Did James’ milk (pasteurised). Read, knitted and Queen’s Hall concert and news.
Tuesday 25th April 1939
Sun and showers. Cool.
Did flowers. Room ready for nurse. Marion took James out, and Eva, at 3.10 to meet new Nurse. Pamela Johnson, in Richmond. I pasteurised James’ milk after tea. Wrote Alys. Introduced nurse to staff. In evening, listened in News and Sir John Simon speaking on the Budget.
Wednesday 26th April 1939
Cold. Fine.
Got Blain to go about chimney pot and Mason. Wired up 4 gates as James could get out. Marion for walk to Tees. I did the milk in p.m. and flowers for Alys and Phil’s rooms. Packed. About 8 to meet Alys and Phil at Darlington by Jubilee. Phil told about his seeing Dr Young as well as Chandler and Aymer.
Thursday 27th April 1939
Fine. Cold wind.
Packed. At 11 or so, Alys and I to Darlington. Shopped and she left me at station 1 o’clock. I ate lunch. Train, Flying Scotsman 1.18 to Kings Cross. Talked to sweet woman, Mrs Malcolm. Taxi to 4 Cambridge Gate. Tea (arrived Kings Cross 5.20). Read paper. Dennis in 8.15. News and speech on Budget by Sir Archibald Sinclair, liberal.
Friday 28th April 1939
Cool. Fine.
In car to Primrose Hill with Kimbo. To 77 King Henry’s Road. To Selfirdge’s for watch and wool and needles. After lunch, to E.V. Miles; saw Mr Clarke and signed my Will. To Evan’s – bought seersucker, pattern and then a Monastic dress 69/-. Back 5.15. Hitler’s speech to Reichstag. Listened-in in near Oxford Street. Dennis back before 8. News.
Saturday 29th April 1939
Dull. Cool. Rain in p.m.
Florence in distress about Emlyn’s secret marriage. In car to Primose Hill with Kimbo. To 77 King Henry’s Road and searched for sleeves and neck of silk dress. Back and machined seams and sewed black taffeta dress. Also after lunch. Dennis back to tea at 4. Both to Burlington Galleries after in Lincoln Zephyr, and brought my portrait away from London Portrait Society. Cut out sleeves of dress. Knitted, most of evening. Rang up Alys at Layton about when to go there.
Memo:
28th Phil positive
Hitler’s speech in answer to Roosevelt.
London Portrait Society ends 29th.
Sunday 30th April 1939
Rain all day.
Dennis to Lab for gall-bladder pumping. I took Kimbo in park in rain, and a dog set on him and held on. Hard to separate. Dennis back at 2 p.m. After dinner to Cave’s. Hadows there and Bill and 2 men all in khaki to tea (Brangan), Harvard Cave too and to supper. 2 bitch puppies of Wendy’s (Mollie’s cocker spanel). Sally (old Scottie) and Duchess, Jean’s fox terrier. Home at 11.15.
Monday 1st May 1939
Rain all day.
Took Kimbo to Albany Street in rain and Park. Posted Alys’ pullover. Cut out seersucker and cotton rock (mauvey stripe) and machined it. Took Kimbo out again, walked to Lewis’ for ruching and bus back, as so wet. Dennis in. Listened in and knitted.
Tuesday 2nd May 1939
Dull. Dry.
Took Kimbo in park and to Selfridge’s for fish and Sainsbury in car. In p.m. machined cotton frock and did sleeves. Took Kimbo to Evans’ in car. Dennis back at 7.40. His letter re bacteriologists, Pathologists. He out again till 10 o’clock. Knitted and listened in.
Wednesday 3rd May 1939
Sunny a.m.
Breakfast 8. Walked with Kimbo in Park and lost him for an hour or so. Worried and very tired. Wire from Ays at 12 about Grimsby trains. Florence out. Took Kimbo out again. Finished and ironed Phil’s green mixture pullover. Dennis full dress and to dine Claridge’s at Chinese dinner (Yett’s). Alys phoned 8.30. Phil tummy-ache so Grimsby off. Got own supper. Dennis in at 11.
Thursday 4th May 1939
Dullish.
Car to High Street with Kimbo. Walked to Woolworth’s. Rest of day cutting out and making green silk dress. Doz rang up. Dennis phoned Alys and Phil better but Woodsend last night. Did vest, and listened in and Dennis rang up Alys again at 9.30 p.m. Phil better.
Friday 5th May 1939
Showers.
Car to Park with Kimbo and then to my bank, Edgware Road to put Income Tax return in £53.0.7 and to Woolworth’s. Back to lunch and pack up. To Woolworths again for frilling. Machined hem of green silk dress. Dennis at 5 and in Lincoln Zephyr (with Monty) to King’s Cross. Jubilee to Darlington. Dined with London River pilot. Talked Jutland. Alys met us. Phil in bed. Eva in Alys’ room – fire. Talked.
Saturday 6th May 1939
Mist then fine.
About in garden with James. Took snap shots. In p.m. slept on bed. Alys and Eva to Richmond in a.m. Dennis doing ponds most of day.
Memo:
3rd 8 breakfast
5th Florence (gave £1.0.0 to her for expenses)
Sunday 7th May 1939
Fine, warm.
About in garden, sitting. Quite hot sun. Dr Woodsend came to call on Dennis. Alys and Eva to Eppleby about Neville Lever. In top room with Dennis and Phil. Tested “General Göring. James slept night in Nannie’s room and Eva alone. “Are you sure” and news.
Monday 8th May 1939
Fine. Warm. Eva and Phil in Phil’s car to Darlington taking Eva to Jubilee (Alys and I were going Grimsby about couple but were postponing). I with James in garden. Alys and I to enquire after Mrs Lever’s Neville, 2 (pneumonia). Back via Piercebridge.
Tuesday 9th May 1939
Fine and very hot.
Letter from Priestley saying reservists may be called up so no good for here. Alys and I in Ford 8 at 11 to Richmond, Leyburn (white road by Wernside and back). Sandwich lunch. Kettlewell, Skipton, Colne, Bolton (chocolate sundaes), Warrington, Chester. Dinner at Westminster Hotel. Out to “Rows”. Back. Car in garage. Slept at White Horse. Room on 1st floor with bath (no 2nd staircase on 2nd floor).
Llanfairfechan
Wednesday 10th May 1939
Fine. Hot. 70 degrees.
Breakfast 8.30. I drove by St Asaph’s and on Colwyn Bay. Alys drove through Conway and to Llanfairfechan. To see Edward at Bryn-y-Neuadd and Dr and Mrs Starkey. Called on Mrs Birch at Penybryn. Lunch at Llanfairfechan Hotel. Drove, by-passing Chester, to Warrington. Wigan, Preston, Lancaster (choc ices, Preston), Sedbergh. Dinner. White Hart Hotel. Walked round by School. Rang up Rosamund Kay (Bursar answered. Rosamund away). Stayed night.
Thursday 11th May 1939
Cooler, dullish.
Breakfast 9. Drove via Kirkby Lonsdale and Kirkby Stephan and Brough to Layton; arrived 11.15 or so. Talk with Eva and Phil I did some weeding. Read newspapers. Felt tired. Out with James and Eva and Alys, after tea in kitchen garden.
Friday 12th May 1939
(no weather)
Alys woke at 7 feeling sick so not to London. Stayed in bed. Eva and I to Richmond. Phil phoned Dennis. After tea, I to Eppleby to ask after Neville Lever. Better. Normal 1 st time. Alys better and in dressing-gown to dinner, and News. All to bed early.
Saturday 13th May 1939
(no weather)
Alys up to breakfast. All of us in Armstrong to Darlington and Alys by 11.25 train to London. Eva, Phil and I shopped. Marks & Spencer, Woolworth’s, Binns. In p.m. Eva and I with James in Phil’s car. We took Nurse to Richmond (for Leyburn)
Memo:
Phil positive
Whole trip – Layton to Llanfairfechan and back = 389 miles.
Colonel Carey called (shooting) 9th or 10th
Sunday 14th May 1939
Rain all day.
Alys and Dennis to Heanley’s at Worthing with Kimbo. Out in garden with Eva and James, and not out again. Reading papers. Neville’s crisis (pneumonia). “Are you sure”. Painted under bridge. Kitty rang up for Dennis about Edward’s tooth.
Monday 15th May 1939
Dull.
Wrote Alys. To Richmond with Eva in my car. Posted nappies to Lab. Shopping. In p.m. to Eppleby. Neville Lever better. Phil tidied his lathe room up and I upstairs painting under bridge. Eva very worried about James’ diet and almost diarrhoea 3 times a day.
Tuesday 16th May 1939
Cold wet after fine a.m. 3.20.
To Blain’s with presents for Corona’s 2nd birthday. Eva and I with Phil in his car to Darlington. Phil by Jubilee. Shopped. Nurse out. Eva took James along street. I wrote Susie. Darned stockings.
Wednesday 17th May 1939
Dull and very cold.
I had herrings and bread 1st time. Wrote Alys. Out with James in garden. In p.m. Eva an I to Barnard Castle for cigarettes, and photograph corners. After tea, I up in top room emptying can and painting. Eva stuck in photos. Dennis phoned Eva again about James.
Thursday 18th May 1939
Cold and grey.
Letter and references from Allen’s. Eva and I to Richmond, shopping and see Mrs Bob Hird about laundry at Ravensworth. Wrote Alys, and Doz. About with James and Eva in greenhouses. Swept out Phil’s lathe room. Dennis phoned. Very good report of Phil (tomograph at Victoria Hospital from Chandler).
Friday 19th May 1939
Warm, grey.
I to Richmond, cleaners. Eva washed her head in p.m. I painted croquet cornersticks white. After dinner, Eva and I to meet Alys and Phil at Darlington, in Ford 8. Jubilee.
Saturday 20th May 1939
Grey a.m. Fine p.m.
In garden with James. Did a lot of weeding on rock-garden. In top room too, painting. Alys to Richmond. In p.m. Alys, Eva and I to Ferryhill to interview Stella and Albert Ed Allen. Back 5.10 to tea. To Marks & Spencer on way back in Darlington for apples and oranges. Good music-hall. Frankau.
Memo:
Phi negative
19th 12 o’clock Victoria Park.
18th Dr Chandler
Allen’s – 6 Lanark Terrace, East End, Ferryhill
Sunday 21st May 1939
Fine and warm.
Fine day. Did a lot of weeding, on rock garden and some watering. Alys and Eva doing fringe round big four poster. I helped after writing to Kitty. Phil resting in shade and on lawn. News and “Are you Sure” (walked to ‘Street’ through home meadow at 8).
Monday 22nd May 1939
Fine and warm.
Alys and Eva to Richmond. I sewed frilling in red-mauve cotton frock. Picked flowers. Looked at bees (fear of swarming). Alys doing red frill for bed. I helped, and unpicked on seat in garden. Phil in shade for p.m. rest. Croquet in evening after dinner. Watered plants.
Tuesday 23rd May 1939
Hot. Perfect. 77 degrees at Redcar.
Allen’s wrote couldn’t come. (Alys slight diarrhoea). So Alys and I in Phil’s car to Miss Maddison, 44 Front Street, Browney Colliery. But in work. Got sausage rolls, Darlington. Ate in Coniscliffe Road for our lunch. Back via Richmond. After tea, I to Aldboro’ to butcher’s in Phil’s car. Weeded rock garden and watered it. All walked round woods and field till 9 p.m.
Wednesday 24th May 1939
Fine and hot.
I with Phil in his car to Richmond. Mr Clark at 11.50 (said it would be 11) to collect rents. Tenants in. Mr Clark had lunch with us, and coffee on lawn after and back.
Thursday 25th May 1939
Fine and warm.
Alys felt sick, so in bed, till tea-time. Eva and Phil to Richmond. I looked after James till 10.35. Finished knitting welt to Phil’s brown pullover (sleeveless). Watered garden. Alys down to tea. Fire in sitting-room. Phil felt chilly all day, but better in evening. He rested in hut. Welter-weight world championships – listened in till 11.
Friday 26th May 1939
Fine and warm.
Letter from Mrs Maddison, so Alys and I to see her and on to Albert Road, 16 Willington to see the Pott’s about situation. He, Timothy, dreadfully ill-looking. Back to Maddison. Lunch, Darlington. Shopped. Home to tea 5.15. After dinner, Alys, Phil, Eva in Armstrong to meet Dennis, Florence, Kimbo. Armstrong into lorry so they came in Rolls from Cleveland garage at 10. Kimbo slept in my room.
Saturday 27th May 1939
Very fine and hot.
Phil and Dennis to Darlington (to show license to Police). Alys and Eva to Richmond, later. I sewed green silk frock. Wrote Doz, Pickin and Sissie. With Hiawatha tickets. Alys slept on lawn. Dennis in pond getting weed out. I did some watering in garden. Brander feeling sick. All in garden after dinner. Then indoors for news.
Memo:
Phil negative.
24th Clark for rents
26th Dennis begins holiday
25th Pickin paid till July 20th
Sunday 28th May 1939
Fine in p.m. Dull a.m.
Brander in bed all day. Florence and Nancy helping. Eva took Nurse to Richmond (for Leyburn). We wrote Mrs Potts. Alys and I to Mrs Lever’s in p.m. Eva out with James. Alys and Dennis to tea at the Heigham’s. We out with James (Eva and I0 in Orchard. “Are you Sure” in evening and news.
Monday 29th May 1939
Perfect after 10.30. Misty early.
Eva gave James his breakfast and then he in while we had our’s. Brander still upstairs all day. Alys, Dennis and I drove to Willington and Dennis and Alys called on the Timothy Potts, back via Stainding at 1. Eva out with James in p.m. I let out Phil’s evening suit (trousers and waistcoat). Wore new petunia striped (monastic) cotton frock. Florence helped Betty to wait at dinner. Croquet after.
Tuesday 30th May 1939
Perfect day. John Higham to tea. Alys and Phil to Richmond. I superintended D. Cooper’s bedroom prepared for Mary Feeney (temporary) with Barber’s and Florence. I with Eva to Richmond in p.m. Phil’s car. A swarm of bees in Barnes’ Orchard. In evening all (except Eva) out watching Phil and Blain get them into Phil’s hive, till 11.15! Florence and Hilda too. (Dr Thompson to Brander).
Wednesday 31st May 1939
Fine. Warm.
Made cover for asbestos mat. Out with dogs. At lunch time Eva had cable from Teddy, leave granted and arriving by Imperial Airways June 1st. Alys, Eva and I to Darlington and Eva off to London 3.45 (for Southampton). Alys fetched Mary Feeney and we out with her to Layton. Brander still upstairs (drinking whisky). Walked up to bees and through wood in evening. News and phoned Eva at 4 Cambridge Gate.
Thursday 1st June 1939
Fine sun. Cold wind.
Looked after James a bit (and Alys later). Mended folding chairs in top-room. Phil and Alys too. Alys and I to Richmond in p.m. Shopping. Back to tea. All in garden with James. Dennis put up a little swing on Spanish oak. Phil opened beehives to look.
Friday 2nd June 1939
Perfect. Hot and breeze.
About getting rooms ready (with Alys) for Margaret Cox and Molly Barwick. Wire from Teddy and Eva, coming Saturday. Florence at 5.30 told us Brander drunk in field near Foxhall. Dennis, Phil and Leat (driver, gamekeeper) there and took him to bed in Foxhall. Alys took Betty there. In evening, Alys and I cleared and packed in the Brander’s.
Saturday 3rd June 1939
Perfect. Hot and breeze.
I took Brander’s things to Foxhall. Dennis, Alys and Phil in 2 cars to Darlington to meet Teddy and Eva 12.15. Dr Fothergill rang up to say cold, so not coming to tea. Rests, sleep on bed. Teddy and Eva got up 6.15. Dennis rested. Alys and I doing odd jobs – nailed carpet in bedroom (2nd floor). Alys and I to Richmond for crab. News on submarine Thetis (loss of 99 lives).
Memo:
Sat 4.15 Fothergill and Badcock.
Wed 2 pm. Potts to Fothergill.
31st Fetch Mary Feeney 3.30.
Brander’s leave June 2nd.
Sunday 4th June 1939
Very fine. Hot.
James was given his car and other presents as Dennis will be away on real birthday. Doing things to Pott’s room. Phil mended chest of drawers. Alys and I made list of work out, did flowers and hung curtains in guest room. Margaret Cox and Molly Barwick came at 7. Dinner and in garden all evening, except for “Are you sure” at 9.30 or so.
Monday 5th June 1939
Very hot and fine.
James 2 years old. Margaret Cox and Molly away at 10.30. Dennis and Phil in Phil’s car and Alys and Florence in mine to Jubilee. Dennis and Florence to London. Alys brought Rene Potts and Phil brought Timothy Potts back. Mary Feeney and I washed and dried breakfast things. Mary Feeney taught the Potts, who watched, waiting at dinner. Mr Heigham and Mrs and Patience at 9.40 to see the cacti – 13 blooms. All the staff round gardens.
Tuesday 6th June 1939
Very hot day.
Teddy a cold so meals in smoke-room all day. Tea upstairs. Read Times in garden. Nurse out. Sat on lawn and Eva with James. Watered plants and grass. Croquet (Alys, Eva, Phil and I). News. Then to see cactus – 2 blooms. Eva slept in No 3 room, as Teddy a cold.
Wednesday 7th June 1939
Colder. Fine.
Alys and Eva to Richmond in Phil’s car. I doing flowers a long time. Worry about Rene being Roman Catholic. But ended all right. Teddy up and sat in garden with us. Eva felt sore throat. All of us taking cinnamon. Watered garden. News of Thetis memorial service.
Thursday 8th June 1939
Fine. Sunny. A little cooler.
Eva and I both felt coldy. Alys and Phil to Richmond, then Phil had lunch outdoors up the bank, and at 3 Alys and Phil away in Phil’s car (to avoid infection from all our colds). I slept on bed. Eva and Teddy rested too. Tea. Watered garden. Eva and Teddy out with James in orchard. Eva to bed at 8.30. Teddy and I listened to News and to bed 9.30. Teddy jigsawing.
Friday 9th June 1939
Perfect. Hot.
Eva stayed in bed all day with cold. I to Richmond with Zeus and Kimbo at 11.15. After James to rest (Teddy took him from 10.15 – 11). In p.m. I to Richmond again (with two dogs) taking Phils trousers to Smiths’ and getting carrots. Did flowers. Took James in garden 5 – 6. Did the pasteurizing of milk. Picked lupins. Sat in Eva’s room. Alys phoned from Edinburgh.
Saturday 10th June 1939
Fine. Showers after 3.30.
Eva up to breakfast and with James in garden. I wrote Aunt Bella. Teddy jigsaw puzzle. At 2, I took James in pram – East Layton Road till 4. Nurse out. Eva and Teddy slept. James difficult at tea and after. Slight rain but I watered aubretia. Alys phoned from Newton, Galloway. V.B. Twice to see cactus. 7 blooms.
Memo:
No rain for 3 weeks. Longest drought for 7 years.
Phil negative
June 5th Dennis back to town
4th Cable to Teddy “Both selected, Southey” (selected for Staff College, Andover, joy and congratulations!)
5th Cactus: 13 blooms
6th 2 blooms
10th 7 blooms
Total this week – 22
Sunday 11th June 1939
Cool, showers and sun.
Jackdaw down sitting-room chimney. All in smoke-room all day. In and out of garden, showery, picked flowers. Nurse cutting wisdom tooth? Berry’s slept. I read in smoking-room; bellows to chairs in sitting-room (sooty). Took covers off. News. Out to see 6 cacti (very small ones). Phil phoned from Newton Stewart. Teddy shot 2 rabbits.
Monday 12th June 1939
Cold and showery.
Cacti still out at 7 a.m and even 10 a.m! Eva and Teddy out with James, walking. Mary and Rene cleaned sitting-room (also Timothy helped). Eva and Teddy to Richmond in my car at 2. Took dogs in orchard. Alys and Phil tried coming back tonight. Dennis phoned at 7.15 Alys and Phil arrived at 8.30.
Tuesday 13th June 1939
Cold. Dull.
To Darlington with Eva to buy pram at Upton’s £4.12.6. Marks & Spencer’s. Back to lunch. Eva and Teddy took James out in p.m. Alys and I to Richmond and then to East Layton for letter; and Alys to Scotch Corner (with sputum). Phil and Teddy out till nearly 10 p.m. after rabbits.
Wednesday 14th June 1939
Dull and showers. Cool.
Darned socks and stockings. Teddy and Phil working at track for Mitch’s engine. All of us at 3.45 to Gilling Vicarage fete. Tea there and darks, pegs on line (clothes), pigs racing. Heigham’s tea at our table. Zeus no supper, as worm pill tomorrow.
Thursday 15th June 1939
Dull, tiring, showers.
Took Zeus out but worm pill not much effect. Felt very tired and sleepy all day and spot inside nostril. Alys and Eva to Richmond in p.m. and I dozed on sofa and listened- in Ascot race. Flyon won. Teddy and Phil upstairs working. Others played 2 games croquet after dinner and then Teddy and Phil out with air-gun till 9.45.
Friday 16th June 1939
Dull, then fine, warm.
Weeded on rockery, Eva with James then helped. Alys did flowers. Alys and I to Richmond in p.m. with dogs. Both John Clark and brother came over from camp (Catterick) – Royal Northumberland Fusiliers to tea (unexpected). Phil out with Leat about poachers. Croquet with Clark. Alys and Phil to meet Dennis by Jubilee. All in garden. Very perfect evening.
Saturday 17th June 1939
Fine, on whole.
Alys to Richmond, with Blain. Otto and Mabel May came at 11. Round gardens with them and Houses. Lunch. Talk – Alys and Dennis about with May’s. Teddy in top room. Doing framework for Mitch’s engine. May’s stayed to tea, away at 4.45. Dressed for dinner, others out after. I Listened in. Others in for news. Zeus very sick behind desk (after I to bed). And then Alys down for book and found torch full on in front hall! Mystery; we searched rooms.
Memo:
Phil positive very slightly.
11th 6 blooms
28 total so far
Sunday 18th June 1939
Fine and warm.
About in garden. Dennis and Alys walked with James. Eva, Teddy and Phil to tea with the Clark’s at Catterick Camp, Gandale. “Are you sure” after supper Territorials Captain and Mrs Pulleine came after supper to see cacti, 17 blooms.
Monday 19th June 1939
Dull, then fine.
I with James in a.m. and Alys and Dennis and Phil to Darlington by Phil’s car. Alys and Dennis Jubilee to London. Eva and Teddy to Scotland (my car). I to Richmond in Phil’s car, with hood up. In p.m. rested on sofa. With James in garden after, till 6. Did bee-sections (21) with Phil after dinner. Mrs Brown and 2 daughters came to see cacti – 41 blooms.
Tuesday 20th June 1939
Dull and showers.
Out with James. Then with dogs for Times and Zeus caught baby rabbit (not hurt). Picked flowers, counted cacti. To Richmond in p.m. for haddock and Sedebrol. With James indoors after tea. He very thirsty. Out to see cacti – 24. Dennis rang up Phil. Phil out to see cacti at 9.30 again.
Wednesday 21st June 1939
Dull, dark, cool.
Out with James in garden. Wrote Doz. Ironed Teddy’s new pullover and sewed green sleeve cuff. Mr Clark came at 6 with Teddy’s hat. Eva rang up 8.45 from Ballachillish north shore or later. Toe sore. Out to see cacti at 10. Dennis and Alys rang up 9.30.
Thursday 22nd June 1939
Dull. Sunny in p.m. Very cold wind.
Phil to Richmond. I with James. After, I to Richmond. Dennis phoned at 1.10 to say Alys had wisdom teeth (unerupted) taken out at Bulstrode House. I doing flowers in p.m, and wrote Alys. Out with James after tea till 6. Phil and I did crate for honey after dinner and Phil put it in hive. Dennis rang up; Alys still dopey. To see to nets in strawberry bed at 8.45.
Friday 23rd June 1939
Fine. Cool.
With James in garden. Then with Phil to Darlington as Paxton here and broke drills. Listened-in to King’s speech of Guildhall lunch (on return from America). Did flowers. Phil out with Leith to Square Wood at 5. I with James. Bees swarmed at 6 up tree. Leith and Blain up tree and got swarm. After dinner, Dennis phoned. Teddy and Eva returned 9.30 (from Scotland). All up till 11 getting bees into hive.
Saturday 24th June 1939
Fine. Cold wind.
Eva with James. I to Richmond for duckling. Eva took James out in p.m. I ironed Teddy’s pullover (after sewing up). The Pott’s to Darlington. Barber’s to Saltburn. Mary Feeney waited on us. I with Eva and James in orchard. Teddy and Phil out after rabbits after dinner. All to bed 10. Bath – water cold. Dennis rang up. Alys 99 degrees.
Memo:
Phil negative
Sunday 25th June 1939
Fine on whole. Showers.
Eva took Nurse to Church at East Layton in Ford 8. Mary Feeney and Rene walked to Roman Catholic Church at Hutton Magna. Did some flowers. Read papers. Wrote Alys (so did Eva and Phil). Out with Eva and James in garden. Teddy and Phil out shooting rabbits till late.
Monday 26th June 1939
Fine, warmer but showers.
Letters from Alys – letter K-H. War coming. Phil to Richmond alone in his car. Eva and I to Richmond. Got 2 cases rusks at 7.8 for Zeus and corned beef 4/- and chemists. Made pin-cushion for Nurse’s basket. James fell in tank head first. Teddy in top-room. Men out to rabbits. Eva depressed about war and going back to Egypt.
Tuesday 27th June 1939
Fine and warmish.
Eva with James and we both tried to take photos. Bees looked like swarming. Phil rested near hives. Nurse out. Eva with James. I to Richmond for haddock and took films. Tidied Debby’s grave. Rabbit in garden in evening. Helped Teddy with track lines at 7.
Wednesday 28th June 1939
Warm and sun. Very heavy showers.
Teddy and Eva with Phil to Darlington. Phil by Jubilee. I took Mary Feeney home (273?) at 11. Shopped; beer, bee sugar 7/- 21 lbs. In p.m. wrote Alys; with Teddy in toproom. Drove to Norman’s, Forcett with cheque and Aldbro’ to pay book (dogs too – Zeus got out through window). Dennis phoned at 9.5 so both missed News, which “grim” Eva said.
Thursday 29th June 1939
Warm. Fine.
Eva and I to Richmond at 11. Bank, tea-cloths 6 for 6/- Robson kitchen. Sent Poz’s parcel off. In p.m. did flowers. Wrote Alys. Out with Eva and James at 5.15 in garden. Teddy upstairs all day doing track. Read papers. Listened in to News and Lord Halifax’s speech (warning to Hitler).
Friday 30th June 1939
Thunder showers.
Men cutting lawn between showers. Talked to Timothy about silver-cleaning, Cut aubretia seeds off at intervals of thunderstorm and mended gloves. Teddy upstairs doing track. Blain in my car to sports. 9 prizes. Eva and Teddy in Phils’ car to meet Phil by Jubilee. I in garden and then hearing News. Phil out with Teddy to rabbit hunt. To bed about 10.10.
Saturday 1st July 1939
(no weather)
Eva and I to Richmond. Took Teddy’s old leather coat to Foster. Got hoe (2/6) and clippers (1/6). In p.m. talked to Phil in hut and after tea, gardening with hoe. Nurse out, Eva with James and me to see Mrs Cliff and Alan (aged 2) and Mick (Ozzie’s son). Phil to bed 9.20. Felt sickish.
Memo:
2 doors from cemetery gates.
Phil negative
28th Phil to town
29th Phil to Chandler
Write Poz
Sunday 2nd July 1939
Fine and showers.
Phil and Eva and I did shoes with Mink’s stuff. Phil feet stiff inside, after big re-fill. Teddy slept in p.m. Phil and Teddy ran Mitch’s big engine on new elevated track. James and Eva and I up there. Wrote Alys. “Are you sure” and to bed early
Monday 3rd July 1939
Fine on whole.
I with Teddy and Eva to Darlington. They by Jubilee. Did a lot of shopping. King Lear. In p.m. bees looked like swarming and Phil had sandwich lunch and rested near hives. Wrote Alys for tomorrow. I with James in garden and orchard. Phil upstairs. Both to bed early, but did bee crates.
Tuesday 4th July 1939
Very warm. Showers.
Out with James in garden. Did flowers a bit. At lunch, bees swarming so Phil out ,but rested. I to Richmond in p.m. After tea, with James partly indoors (rain). Bees swarmed on high tree. Phil and Blain and Timothy got them into box at 4.10. Leith slept in harness room. Zeus too, it appeared.
Wednesday 5th July 1939
Warm. Thunder storm.
Out with James in garden. Then in top room, helped Phil who mending Mitch’s engine. In p.m. Wrote Eva for her birthday. Put away stores. Out with James after tea. Phil with Leith and top room. Alys phoned at 745. Ronald Frankan’s revue “Beyond Compère”. Got bees into hive after dinner.
Thursday 6th July 1939
Bright but sultry. Rain early.
Fire in smoke-room. Sitting room cleaned. With James in garden till 11. Fetched Times. Leith took Zeus on his round. I picked roses. After lunch to Richmond. After tea with James, and at 5 Phil out to get a swarm of bees from fir again. He got stung. Blain did too and Nancy Blain. Thundery and bees angry. Out after dinner too. Phil till nearly 10.
Friday 7th July 1939
Windy. Warm.
Out with James till 11. Then to Richmond and both dogs. To Phil’s bank for £20 for wages. In p.m. picking flowers and arranging them. After tea, with James again in garden. To East Layton for letters. Phil and Blain and Leith put bees from yesterday’s swarm into hive. Phil in my car to meet Alys and Dennis by Jubilee.
Saturday 8th July 1939
Showery.
Alys and I to Richmond (after James till 11). Nurse out. Took James out in pram in p.m. Rain. To get Times, then barns and garage. Tea with us, all to top-room. Rides on new track. James burnt his fingers on engine. Alys put him to bed. In pain. To East Layton for letters. News.
Memo:
Phil positive.
Dennis here for weekend 7th
5th Eva’s bedroom cleaned
6th Sitting-room cleaned. Sent Aly’s dental plates off to her.
Sunday 9th July 1939
Fine and heavy showers.
Mended Phil’s trousers. Out with James. Did flowers with Alys. Washed gloves. Dr Fothergill and Mr Badcock at 3.30 and stayed to tea and supper. A swarm of bees on low branch. Looked at Dr Fothergill’s photos and Dennis took Dr Fothergill and Mr Badcock to top-room. “Are you Sure’. They left at 10 or 9.50.
Monday 10th July 1939
Fine all day. Mild.
With James while Alys and Phil in Phil’s car. Took Dennis to Darlington for Jubilee. Then washed night gown and ironed it. Mended things p.m. Phil rested out of doors all day. Arnold and Corona in garden with James. Captain Mellor and Subaltern in for sherry. Swarm put into new hive after dinner.
Tuesday 11th July 1939
Dullish. Mildish.
Phil stung on back of neck. Alys and I to Richmond at 11. To wireless shop. I took James in pram in p.m. in garden and locally. Grass being mown. I did flowers (Eva’s room). After tea, Phil in my car to meet Teddy and Eva at Darlington by Jubilee. Mrs Lever gave notice.
Wednesday 12th July 1939
Fine then dull.
Alys and I to Browney Colliery to take strawberries and flowers to Mrs Maddison. By Darlington and back to lunch (15 miles past Darlington). Teddy had wire about “quarters” at Andover. John Heigham to tea and in top room after with Phil and Teddy. Alys and I picked larkspurs. Phil and Teddy out with Leith and Zeus till 10.15.
Thursday 13th July 1939
Dull. Very mild. No fire all day.
Alys and I to Richmond at 11. Phil out to see electric plant with Thompson (Capt Briggs). Bees swarmed at 1.45 but went b ack. Phil rested under tree and I tried Timothy on his coats. Watered and hoed nasturtiums. Phil and Teddy out to shoot rabbits with Leith.
Friday 14th July 1939
Dull, then heavy rain.
Phil and I in Phil’s car, drove Alys to Darlington. She by Jubilee to London. After shopping – to Richmond, Paxton’s and Bank. In p.m. washed things and finished “Jamaica Inn”. James in after tea, as raining. Wrote Ella. In evening, Teddy and Phil out. Kimbo in, very wet.
Saturday 15th July 1939
Fine on whole. Warm.
To Richmond 10.30 with dogs. Fish from market, and fruit. Back, then to pay for 2 tyres at Jackson’s, Hutton Magna. Phil with Leith to Catterick .Croquet after lunch and bees swarmed at 2.10 in fir-tree. After dinner, Phil and Blain got bees into hive. Phil was stung under chin.
Memo:
First cherries – 8th
First green peas – 9th
First raspberries – 11th
First red-currants – 16th
Sunday 16th July 1939
Fine with heavy showers. Mist early.
Eva took Nurse to Church in car for 10 a.m. I got bee-veils disinfected in Dettol. Teddy and Phil with Leith and ferrets. Tried green silk frock. Teddy and Eva rested p.m. I mended bellows in top-room. James in sitting-room 5 – 6. “Are you Sure” after dinner.
Monday 17th July 1939
Thunder showers.
Gardeners scythed rock-garden. I did laundry list with Mrs B and Rene. Phil and Teddy out with ferrets. Eva and I to Richmond. Phil and I to meet Alys by Jubilee.
Tuesday 18th July 1939
Dull. Very mild.
Did flowers and oats. Teddy and Phil out ferreting and got baby rabbit (ear snipped and let go). Nurse out. Eva and Teddy with James to East Layton. I unpacked clothes Alys brought from Cambridge Gate. Alys, Phil and I to the Pulleine’s to see garden and tea. Woodsend’s, Brigaider Beeney-Pritchard and Russian wife, Yves – boy cousin of Mrs P’s. French. Napoleon’s sword.
Wednesday 19th July 1939
Mild. Heavy thundery showers.
In garden, picking off old pinks and snap-dragon for vases; did flowers. Croquet after lunch. Phil out searching for swarm but not found. Ironed Alys’ blouse. Wrote to Aunt Bella suggesting August 2nd. Croquet after dinner; Grass very wet. Played stak-a-stik in evening. No News.
Thursday 20th July 1939
Dark. Mild.
To Richmond, shops, and had hair cut, shampoo’ed and set by Enid Hawdon 3/6. Croquet after lunch. Put hangers in bedroom. Wrote Kit. Blain taught Jack to drive my car (1st time). Teddy took us to new Scotch Corner Hotel for dinner (and sherries). In two cars. Back about 9.40.
Friday 21st July 1939
Fine. Warm.
Alys and Phil to Richmond. Phil’s hair-cut. I did gardening and flowers with Alys later. Lawns mown. Richard and Joan Giles and Rupert (crawling) and Colonel Hart-Cox and wife and Betty (parents of Joan) all to tea. Very late, as went to Leyburn (From York). At 8, Phil and Alys to meet Dennis (Jubilee) in Phil’s car, taking Teddy’s tin trunk. Cut off aubretia seeds.
Saturday 22nd July 1939
Fine. Dull p.m.
Timothy and Rene Pott’s holiday to Miners’ Gala at Durham. Did a little housework and flowers. Eva told me (and Phil first) that she is expecting a baby in March. Feels very sick. We played croquet. Lunch 12.30. At 1, Alys, Eva and Teddy to Darlington. Eva and Teddy by 1.37 train to London. I took James in pram. Nurse out. Lord Bolton to consult Dennis in p.m. Croquet evening.
Memo
18th Pulleine’s.
Phil Positive
20th Dine at Scotch Corner Hotel
22nd Lord Bolton (Lord Lieutenant of Yorks – Anne Bazley’s friend)
20th Pickin’s rent paid till 20th
8 weeks from May 25th £5.12.0
Sunday 23rd July 1939
Fine with 1 short shower.
Did flowers and so me housework or with James. Alys wrote Kit. Darned 1855 tablecloth. A little hoeing in lower border. Croquet and in hot houses. “Are you sure” Spider on insect. Walrus on fish. Wrong in Express.
Monday 24th July 1939
Fine. Warm.
Looked after James while Alys and Phil took Dennis to Jubilee. Did some washing. Alys to meet Eva at Darlington in p.m. Back to tea 4.30 (Teddy to Marseilles, for Cairo). Gardened. Didn’t listen to News. Eva on sofa.
Tuesday 25th July 1939
Hot. Fine.
Ironed blouse in sitting-room. Did flowers. Gardened in lower border. With Alys to Richmond at 3. Ironed in laundry. Sowed columbine in lower border. Phil out with Leith. We in garden; warm. I cut grass edge and Phil did some later. Outdoors till 9.40.
Wednesday 26th July 1939
Hot and fine.
Phil felt coldy, behind his nose. Did flowers and some gardening and ironed night-gown. To East Layton for Eva’s parcel (to Teddy). At 9.45 Alys and I to Darlington. Took Mr Booth to tea, curtain to Miss Kipling. Met Kitty by Jubilee. She told us about I.R.A. bomb in King’s Cross cloakroom where her luggage was. 1 man killed, 14 wounded. Eva and Phil to bed early.
Thursday 27th July 1939
Warm, grey in p.m.
Phil in bed all day. Very sore throat. Kit with Eva and James and, at 11.30 Kit with me to Richmond. Mr Kenneth Clark to lunch (saw Phil in bedroom). I to Richmond in p.m. (forgot corned beef). Phil 99 at 6. Saw Mick and Cliff. Packed a little bed time.
London
Friday 28th July 1939
Rain. Fine by p.m.
Phil better and normal. Packed 2 suitcases. Kit with me and dogs for Times. Eva sick as daily. At 1.45 Alys and I to Darlington. I by 2.33 Pullman to King’s Cross. Gingerbeer 1/6 and 6d tip at 5. Arrived King’s Cross 7.5 Dennis met me. To 4 Cambridge Gate. Florence had everything ready. Dinner (I took raspberries and peaches). Read K-H letters in p.m. To bed about 10.
Saturday 29th July 1939
(no weather)
To High Street in Alys’ car. Then to Cook’s and then 77 King Henry’s Road. Searched for my passport. Packed suitcase and brought it to 4 Cambridge Gate. Dennis back to lunch 1.40. He rested in p.m. Tea. Dennis and I to call on Sissie and Ella. Alfred Reid there. Home (Dennis to Bulstrode) and dinner 7.30. To Everyman and saw “Five Faces” Malay film (rubber, tin) and “Tovarich”.
Memo:
4th Teddy back to Cairo
Kitty. Last of strawberries
25th Sowed columbine in lower border.
Sunday 30th July 1939
Fine. Hot. Sun.
(I sore throat so didn’t bathe). Breakfast 8.30. Phoned Alys at Layton. Phil had Dr Woodsend 100/8 and slight bronchitis. Motored by Reigate to Keymer in Sussex. The Heanley’s. Dennis and Molly and Sambo bathed in pool. Lunch in hot sun on terrace. I read papers on lawn. They gathered apples and plums. They bathed again at 4 (and little Sammie). Tea. Supper and away about 9. Home at 11. Florence to Brighton with Pearman’s.
Monday 31st July 1939
Showers.
In car to High Street and then to Bond Street and other shops. Got evening bag and beret. Back to lunch. Rested on bed; cold came on very heavily in nose. Dennis phoned Alys at lunch and in evening. Phil 98.8 (M&B tablets). I to bed at 9.30 to be away from Dennis.
Tuesday 1st August 1939
Thunderstorms.
Stayed in bed. Phoned Ella. Can’t see her off. In bed all day. Crossword and sewing crown on hat and sewing dress Kit gave me last year (black and blue). Dennis phoned 7.15 about Phil 98.8 still. Dennis out with Bodnam in evening at Langham.
Wednesday 2nd August 1939
Dull.
Poz phoned. To Cooks. Bought ticket (Brussels). To Selfridge’s – soles, oats, bag 5/-. To my Bank. To Cook’s again. Changed £2.0.0 for fr. 270. Home to 4 Cambridge Gate. Kitty (back from Layton) phoned from George and Barbara’s flat. Man phoned that Teddy promoted to Squadron Leader.
Thursday 3rd August 1939
Rainy. Mild.
Kit phoned. To various shops and sewing. Lunch. To Brownlee’s and left Ford 8 there and to Lab and with Dennis to King’s Cross to meet Alys at 2. She to Brownlee’s, and then Dr Miller to see her there later (about antrium). Back to tea. Dennis at 5. Dennis and Alys by Jubilee. Mostyn took me back. Sewed and packed a little.
Friday 4th August 1939
Thundery.
Ironed; to High Street. Met Kitty at Evan’s at 11. Sat in car and talked. To Selfridge’s, bought books. A. P. Herbert and Belloc for Phil (for Alys). At 2.30 Florence with me to 77 King Henry’s Road to put turps on rugs. Back. Ironed and sewed. Took car back at 8.50. Listened in to “August 4th 1914”. Very interesting.
Saturday 5th August 1939
Fine in p.m.
In car to High Street and Marks & Spencer. So got clock 5/- for Florence. Umbrella 5/-, Selfridge’s. After lunch, sewed. To 77 King Henry’s Road. Later posted patterns to Layton. After dinner made black cape. Florence got machine and iron ready. Finished packing. To bed 10.30.
Memo:
2nd Alys to Brownlee. Kitty leaves.
Brussels
Sunday 6th August 1939
Very fine and warm.
Monty Mostyn took me to Victoria in Lincoln Zephyr at 9.30. Train at 10.30 to Dover. Very crowded and 3 or 4 trains and boat “Princes Astrid”. Ate sandwiches on deck (left at 12.55). Arrived Ostend about 4. 7 fr tip to porter. Very hot journey. Crowded to Brussels. Arrived 6.18. Aunt Bella met me. Taxi to 65 Avenue Louis Lepoutre. Elise there. Supper 7. Talked. Gave Aunt Bella 12 handkerchiefs. Elise black and coloured scarf – crepe de chine and coronation apron.
Monday 7th August 1939
Fine. Warm.
Elise to Bruges at 8 o’clock about Juge and family affairs. We got tea and coffee and made beds, cleared away. At 12.30 out tram to Porte de Namur. To Les Deux Clefs. Dinner. Looked in shops. Aunt Bella fitted for grey frock. Porte Louise. Home. Rests. I sewed black cape. Aunt Bella wrote to hotel at St Hubert. I to post. Supper 7. Listened-in to Liénart and B.B.C. News.
Tuesday 8th August 1939
Dull. Warm.
Made beds, with Elise. Out with Aunt Bella to shops and post office. After dinner, 12.30, rested (slept and read) till 3.20. To the Ambassador ciné, near Bourse. Le Dompteur. Very poor film. Back at 7. News and read Telegraph (1.85) which had bought in a.m.
Wednesday 9th August 1939
Dull. Warm.
Made beds. Wrote postcard to Kit and letter to Alys. Margot Verboeckhoven to dinner. After rests, at 3.45 by tram to Avenue Floréal and walked to 17 (?) Rue Joseph Bens. Called on Madame Roefs. Back to supper. Got Telegraph and read it in evening. To bed 9.35.
Thursday 10th August 1939
Muggy. 70 degrees. Dark.
Letter-card from Alys. Phil normal at 2 and more cheerful. After making beds with Elise, I by tram to Porte Louise. Walked up and bought shoes at Barre’s. Back by tram. Rests in p.m. At 3.45 10 tram to Bon Marché. Visited Eva de Baeremaecker at Clinique Sans Souci. Jean, Elisabeth. Nearly blind and very crippled. Sad, also about Meerts. Home at 7.10. News about Danzig, very unsatisfactory. To bed 9.45.
Friday 11th August 1939
Rain. Warm. 68 degrees.
Phil normal. With Aunt Bella to Monsieur Georges Stockvis’ office. Talking about money for me, after Aunt Bella’s death! To Maison de Blanc. Home 12.40. Rests after dinner. Wrote Phil. Went out, bought book and dogs for James and got green stuff for Kiki and Telegraph. Supper, news and read.
Saturday 12th August 1939
Fine. Warm. 66 degrees.
Phil still in bed. Out with Aunt Bella to Church near Botanique 9 to enquire about begging-woman, and on to see Jeannette at workhouse infirmary (one leg only). After dinner, (pigeons) and rests, to see “Confessions of a Nazi Spy” at Avenue Louise. Aunt Bella bought me a Telegraph. Goebbels’ letter put in it by K-H (Phil in bed in Hut).
Memo:
8th letter from Alys about Phil’ set back
6th Arrive Brussels 6.30
11th Rand Mines.
9th Flowers – sweet peas for Aunt Bella 10 francs (1/6) Schaerbeck.
12th Dick Cave till 19th
Georges Stokvis, 102 Rue Général Gratry
Sunday 13th August 1939
Warm. Fine on whole.
(Phil walked across lawn in pyjamas and drssing-gown)
Made beds. Bath. Wrote letter to Alys. Aunt Bella to 11 o’clock Mass. Walked to Avenue Molière picking green stuff for Kiki. Slept in p.m. Elise went to see Eva de Baermaecker. I out Vleurgat and Avenue Louise and Rue Tenbosch. No newspaper; did crossword and read “Soir”. Listened-in.
Monday 14th August 1939
Warm. Fine.
Aunt Bella and I called on Madame Carlier, aged 90 in Convent, Rue Tenbosch. Wonderful! Rests till 3.30. I tram 10 to Bon Marché. Walked Rue Neuve and Rue des Fripiers. Anspach. Train 6 to Ave du Haut Pont. Bought Cuticura soap. Aunt Bella to Confession and got me Telegraph.
Tuesday 15th August 1939
Warm. Fine.
Assomption of Virgin. Great Fe day. Elise and Aunt Bella to Mass 7. And 8 a.m. Aunt Bella again at 11. I out a little way and read “Le Soir” (Winston Churchilll’s article) on a seat. Rests till 3.30. Wrote Alys to 4 Cambridge Gate. Aunt Bella, Elise and I to Avenue Cinema. “Anna Karenina” – Greta Garbo and Frederick March. Good. Saw Roefs there! Back at 6.30. To post. News and crossword.
Wednesday 16th August 1939
Warm. Fine.
To attic with Elise. Good view. Out with Aunt Bella to Post Office. Margot Verboeckhoven to dinner. Rests, and to Eva de Baermaeker’s. Very hot there. Made her tell stories of when she was in St Gilles prison in 1917 when German juge who wept. Man in “Cachot” cotton trousers. She sent stockings, shawl and chocolate. T.B. gailer, she gave bread.
Liège
Thursday 17th August 1939
Fine and warm.
Out to post cards to Alys and Doz at 10. Taxi 10.20 Nord Station. Train 11 a.m. to Liège. Taxi to Hotel d’Angleterre et Restaurant Becasse. Dinner. Tram to Musée Curtius (on quay). Archaelogical. To Musée Napoleon Legende. His hat, shirt, handkerchief and portraits, swords (Monsieur Vonnesch’s picture lent). Tram to Exposition. Round it in little train. Over the Meuse Lido diving and illuminations in Jardins d’Eaux. Tram back about 10.
Friday 18th August 1939
Very hot.
Walked to Cathedral and then to Palais des Princes Very large and interesting. Rue Hors Château (with 600 steps to barracks). Tram to Exhibition. Dinner Luxembourg again. Waiter talked English and Flemish. Saw German Pavilion and French (models very good of harbours and Île de la Cité). Tram back. To St Jean Church and Hotel. Taxi to Guillemins station. 5 o’clock train to Bruxelles. Taxi home. To bed 9 o’clock.
Brussels
Saturday 19th August 1939
Very hot.
Out to post cards to Doz and Phil (Liège engine). Aunt Bella in bed to breakfast. Didn’t do much all day. Too hot. Out with Aunt Bella in p.m. to Boulevard Molière, and to get ham for my supper. Early to bed 9. Didn’t listen – English news. No letter from Alys.
Memo:
14th Cuticura soap 15 francs (2/3d) Aunt Bella would pay 5 francs to 1/4 ½
14th Betty Chase to 21st
17th Liège
Sunday 20th August 1939
Hot and fine – 28 degrees.
Aunt Bella breakfast in bed. Out with Aunt Bella to choose petite gâteaux. She to Mass. She brought me Express and rested in p.m. At 3.30 Aunt Bella, Elise and I to Boulevard Adolf Max – Plaza Cinema. Saw “Baronne de Minuit” – Claudette Colbert, Done Ameche, John Barrymore, F. Lederer. Good. Home 7.10. News.
London
Monday 21st August 1939
Hot, cloudy on sea.
Packed from 6 a.m. till 7 a.m. as very hot. Out with Aunt Bella to get chocolates for Phil. Packed. Dinner 12. Taxi to Nord. Train 2.11 to Ostende. Boat left 4.30. Arrived Dover about 7.30 (1/2 hour late) and at Victoria 10.20 (instead of 9.50). Taxi to 4 Cambridge Gate. Empty flat.
Layton
Tuesday 22nd August 1939
Very hot. Misty.
Mrs Pearson got me milk, butter and bread. Made coffee and toast. News at 10.30. Wireless of German-Russian Pact. Wrote Aunt Bella. Doz phoned. Met her at Peter Robinson. Lunch together. Bought suitcase at Lewis’. Packed. Taxi to King’s Cross. Jubilee to Darlington 5.30. Dinner on train. Dennis, Alys and Phil met me 8.48. Lincoln Zephyr to Layton. Eva and Betty Chase there. Talk and to bed about 10.30.
Wednesday 23rd August 1939
Misty. Muggy.
In garden. Washed stockings and gloves. Wrote Aunt Bella. Dennis, Alys and I in Lincoln Zephyr to meet Doz by Jubilee. Grave Crisis. Bits of News all day, very bad outlook for peace.
Thursday 24th August 1939
Misty, warm.
Doz in rock-garden with Dennis. I fetched Times. Picked flowers. Mr John Hunter (surgeon) and wife and girl and boy came in, after lunch croquet. After tea, Doz and I to Richmond and walked round castle and to river. Listened-in to News in Bargate. Alys, Eva and Betty to cliffs in evening. We listened-in to News.
Friday 25th August 1939
Misty, muggy.
Doz showed her xylophone. Alys and Phil in Lincoln Zephyr with Dennis and Doz to Darlington. Dennis off by Jubilee. Doz by next train (no room on Jubilee). I cut out curtains for top storey rooms. Machined them, after lunch. Alys and Betty to Richmond. With Alys to fetch letters from East Layton. Alys read questions from Woman’s Journal. Listened-in News. Alys sewed on curtain rings. Dennis slept at D. Hales’, Tempsford.
Saturday 26th August 1939
Thundery.
Alys, Betty and Phil in my car to Richmond about getting diesel oil. Eva and I with James. Nurse out. I took James out in pram in p.m. Talked Blain’s. Dennis back in Alys’ Ford 8 at 5.15. Ambassador (to Berlin) flying back with message from Hitler. Neville Henderson.
Memo:
20th or 21st (22nd ticket ends)
Doz 23rd to 30th
Sunday 27th August 1939
Hot. Fine in p.m.
Cabinet Meeting about answer to Hitler’s message. Wrote Doz. Wire from Poz. Starting back yesterday? Betty Chase left for Carlisle at 2 o’clock. No real news all day. Dennis working rocks. I making path. James ‘helping’. Schools rehearsing Evacuation, on Monday. “Are you sure” and News.
Monday 28th August 1939
Hot.
Neville Henderson (Ambassador) flew to Berlin. Cut borders and flowers. Alys, Dennis and Phil to Darlington with 2 Fords to Neasham’s. Mediterranean closed by Admiralty Order.
Tuesday 29th August 1939
Warm.
Phil and Eva to Richmond. Alys Forsett. Sewed on curtain rings and machined. Picked sweet peas. Wrote Aunt Bella. Dennis and I in Phil’s car to Neasham’s to fetch Alys’ car back. I drove Phil’s car. Home. Eva to bed for dinner (crying). We listened-in News and A.R.P. talk.
Wednesday 30th August 1939
Showery, thundery.
Doing flowers. Stye in eye coming. Took James out in p.m. up by ducks and chickens.
Thursday 31st August 1939
Warm. Fineish.
Alys feint feelings again. I in top room doing diagram for Dennis’ lecture – circulation of blood. Alys and Dennis wiring skeleton. Picked sweet peas. High Tea at 6.15. Dennis and Phil to Ravensworth Lecture First Aid by Dennis and Air Raid Precaution lecture. They back at 10.25. Alys, Eva and I across field with dogs at 8.15.
Friday 1st September 1939
Foggy.
10 a.m. news. Germany invading Poland, bombing Warsaw. Dennis and Alys to Richmond. Making curtains. I with Dennis to Richmond. Bought brown paper with Dennis. Pasting paper on windows. Dennis and Alys gave the Potts’ notice. All shutters shut. Black-out every night from today.
Saturday 2nd September 1939
Pouring. Evening mild.
Making curtains for lower lavatory. Alys and Eva to Richmond. News all day of Polish-German fighting. Petticoat for Poz and Doz for my birthday! Refugees from danger zones coming to Richmond. Soldiers (Territorials) search light unit in at 10.30 p.m. For hot water. Slept in Granary?
Memo:
28th return ticket to Darlington (Alys used it August 3rd).
Doz evacuating school children in London to Shaftesbury.
Sunday 3rd September 1939
Fine on whole.
Moved all stores to Phil’s room. At 10 o’clock, Mr Chamberlain said our ultimatum to Germany would expire at 11 a.m. So England at War at 11 o’clock. Listened-in every hour. Barber’s and Jack and maids “at 100 and 6 p.m.” when the king broadcast. Sewing curtains and pasting brown edges on shutters. 1st Lieutenant Steel in; slept in smoke-room and phoning all night. Blain doing shutters. Soldiers slept in Granary. Zeus slept my room.
Monday 4th September 1939
Very hot and fine.
Mr Steel to breakfast. Helped Phil in top room. To Darlington. Badcock stopped tooth. Back 1.45. To Richmond for clips for A.R.P. Drew diagram for Dennis (arteries). Dennis ad Phil to Ravensworth to lecture. Shutters. Sandwiches and cakes and fruit for officers. Steel and Brown and Dennis and Phil at 9.15.
Tuesday 5th September 1939
Hot and perfect.
Both officers to breakfast. Phil sick all night and in day too, in bed and wretched. I to Richmond many shops. Back 1.25. Path to Phil’s room for soldiers. Dr Warren called in; posted at Barnard Castle. To East Layton for letters. Dennis to Ravensworth and later Dalton with Barber to lecture. Steel in to dinner. Brown (Collis-Brown)on leave. Phil still very sick.
Wednesday 6th September 1939
Hot and fine.
Phil much better; but in bed all day. Ironed nightgowns. To Richmond in a.m. shops and watch – hand on (after tea). Dennis gave lecture in nursery (splints) and then out to Ravensworth and very difficult getting back in dark alone. Telegram from Poz and Doz offering to come and do housework.
Thursday 7th September 1939
Warm, fine.
Phil up and in but after breakfast. Made beds. To bed 7 p.m. Eva and I tried to kill wasps in vinery – jam-jars, beer. Ironed night-gown – cut roses and carnations. Alys wrote Kitty. Dennis high tea. Dennis and Blain to Eppleby and Ravensworth for lectures. Officers sandwiches late.
Friday 8th September 1939
Hot and fine.
Phil in bed to breakfast. Steele and Brown to breakfast. I to Darlington in BGO; to Badcock. Tooth stopped. To Neasham’s. BGO left there. To station – trains for Florence. To Binns and Boot’s and Woolworth’s. Back at 2.25. Lunch. Rested at bit. Got Times with dogs. Dennis out lecturing in evening. Kimbo in new little basket (3/6).
Saturday 9th September 1939
Very hot and fine.
Phil down to breakfast. Made beds. Alys and Eva to Richmond. Put brown paper on shutters in dining-room. Framed chart with sticky paper edges. Took James to road-end 2 – 3.15. To Post Office 5.20. Brought postmen (1 woman and man back). Dennis bandaging lecture 6 – 7.30 in garden here. Miss Brown, Simpson’s, Mrs O’Brian, Elgy, Paterson.
Memo:
3rd 11 a.m. England at War with Germany
4th 9 a.m. News – liner torpedoed. Athenia. With U.S. people.
5th Wrote Poz and Doz to Chelsea.
8th 11 o’clock Badcock.
Sunday 10th September 1939
Grey. Windy. Cooler
Dennis to lecture at Ravensorth 10.30 – 12.30; to Eppleby 2 – 4, and Dalton 5.30 – 7.30. I out with dogs through orchard; and gathered many windfall apples. Mended sheet (patches). “Are you sure” in evening.
Monday 11th September 1939
Cool. Grey.
Phil and Dennis and Eva and James to Eppleby for Dennis’ coat. I finished chart of arteries in top room. Ribs. Phil up there 30 minutes. After lunch, went on upstairs and then painted white line round Phil’s car wings, bumper. Dennis slept; and at 6.30 gave lecture, haemorrhages. Miss Simpson, Miss Brown, Elgy. Dennis and Phil to Ravensworth to lecture 8. Wrote Aunt Bella.
Tuesday 12th September 1939
Cool. Fine.
Picked apples up and flowers. Dennis and Phil in car to Norman’s. Dalton. I took James out 2 – 3.15. acorns and chestnuts. Painted the two Ford 8’s white lines round. Dennis to Ravensworth 6.30 with Phil there 7.30. Alys to meet Florence Jones at Darlington at 7.
Wednesday 13th September 1939
Drizzle then fine.
My 60th birthday. Dennis away to London in Lincoln Zephyr. Washed and ironed clothes, and in p.m. ironed triangular bandages. Alys too. Eva made night-gown with my machine. We machined hems on the bandages. Phil out alone 7 to Ravensworth (demonstrate pressure points to stretcher party). Back 8.15. We had dinner 8.
Thursday 14th September 1939
Fine
S.O.S. letter from Dorothy (Woodchester, Stroud). Alys and Eva to Richmond in BHN. I with James then, picked flowers. Dennis wired not coming till Friday. Painted 2nd coat of white on BGO. To East Layton with Alys and then to get petrol at Smallway’s with Eva. Phil to gas lecture at Ravensworth with Nurse and Blain.
Friday 15th September 1939
Cold. Dullish.
(Kimbo got worms). Alys and I to Richmond (no petrol ration book yet). Talked to Mrs Leithorn about Dr Dalrymple-Smith. In p.m. Mr Boot and Dr Warren called and had tea. Eva rheumatic hip. I with Phil and Blain to the Brown’s to use their extractor for honey, after tea. Talked to Mrs Brown about Reverend Kennedy!
Saturday 16th September 1939
Dullish.
Nurse home for day. Worm pill to Kimbo. Wrote Poz. Boiled syrup for bees; sugar, vinegar. Took James out in p.m. watched barley carts; to quarry. Dennis back from London at 6 and lecture in nursery –bandaging. Dennis brought linen, blankets from 4 Cambridge Gate and Lab in Lincoln Zephyr, also 2 wireless sets. Dennis out to Ravensworth but back as no one there. Band Waggon on wireless. Arthur Askey and Richard Murdoch.
Memo:
16th Lecture here 6 – Dennis
11th Wrote Lois and 11/6 to Michael Williams
12th Wrote Aunt Bella
14th 8 weeks Pickin from July 20th
Sunday 17th September 1939
Dull.
News that Soviet Republic invading Poland. 2nd worm pill to Kimbo. Decanted bee-syrup into jars. Eva and I walked to quarry with Kim. Painted Phil’s car wings – 2nd coat. Alys and Florence in garden. Picked up apples, roses. Mr Steel in to tea. Mr Brown on leave. “Are you sure” in evening. H.M.S. Courageous aircraft carrier sunk.
Monday 18th September 1939
Dull.
Eva and Alys to Darlington. Kimbo bit James’ wrist. Did flowers. Wrote letters to Hoult and B.T.H. about 4 Cambridge Garden’s contents. Dennis doing the little wireless set. Dennis and Phil to lecture. Eppleby at 7 and very late back (8.10) to dinner. Poz wired arriving Wednesday 3.38.
Tuesday 19th September 1939
Dull, drizzly.
Eva and I cleaned garden-porch. Dead flies, spiders. Men moved wardrobe up to landing. I darned Dennis’ stockings and wrote Kitty. Dennis gave lecture here and then he also out to Ravensworth.
Wednesday 20th September 1939
Dull. Mild
Wrote Aunt Bella (for 23rd). Took dogs via Street to fields and back. Read and Thompson came to install the new electricity engine – train – at 3.38. Dennis and I to Darlington to meet Poz and Doz from London in Lincoln-Zephyr. News of Revolt in Czecho 9 p.m. Began knitting bedsocks. Dennis and Phil to Dalton.
Thursday 21st September 1939
Dull.
Doz began dipping hedge. Poz and Alys to Richmond. Phil to have trailer attachment to his car. Began re-heeling Dennis’ stocking.
Friday 22nd September 1939
Dull. Dark.
Tried bells for air-raid warning. Eva and Doz to get Times, after lunch. Warmed up syrup for bees and Phil put it in. Poz and Doz walked to East Layton. Dennis’ lecture (spinal fracture) here and 2nd lecture (stretcher-bearers) too.
Saturday 23rd September 1939
Some sun. Cold
In garden. Did oats. Poz and Doz clipping hedge. I took James out and met shooters and Leith. With Doz to Mrs Cliff’s and talked to Cairns by barn. Dennis and Phil to lecture and back at 8 to dinner. Doz and I met Colonel Pelham-Thurston.
Memo:
19th Wrote Kit
20th 3.38 Darlington Poz and Doz.
20th Got Petrol Ration Books in Darlington Post Office.
Sunday 24th September 1939
Finer. Mild.
Worm pill to Kimbo. In garden and about with Kimbo on lead. Did syrup for bees and melted beeswax. Officers had tea party of Subalterns. Eva and James with Dennis to Richmond to see Dr Williams about Red Cross exams. Poz and Doz weeded on rockery. I cut grass borders and raked. “Are you sure” – Dennis to lecture, Eppleby.
Monday 25th September 1939
Finer, mild.
Did Eva’s wrap skirt. Alys and Doz to Richmond in BHN. Dennis to Ravensworth, but back as people late. Dinner then Dennis and Phil to Dalton. Aeroplane works bombed.
Tuesday 26th September 1939
Fine. Mild.
Boiled syrup for bees. Doz helped. Poz and I to Richmond shops (no bacon) and 1 gallon petrol (pool) 1/6 Cruddace for ration unit. Took James to Road End 2 – 3.15. Then Doz, Eva. Dennis lecture stretcher-bearers here 6.30. 8 Demonstration with Alys victim. We all watched. Dinner 8.10. News. Puzzle-corner.
Wednesday 27th September 1939
Very fine.
Eva and I to Richmond in BHN. New diesel engine for electric light started. After tea, warmed syrup and Phil gave it to bees. Dennis’ fracture lecture at 6.30 here. (Leg, patella). Budget (War). Very grim. Doz taught Dennis to play by pipe in evening (to distract Dennis from budget).
Thursday 28th September 1939
Dull.
Phil’s 26th birthday. In garden, picking flowers and arranged them. With Doz to find wood for Xylophone in a.m. Phil took Doz to top room. Phil and Dennis to Eppleby and Dalton 6.30 – 10. Both officers had dinner with us at 7.30. Dennis and Phil had soup and sandwiches. Knitted and News in evening.
Friday 29th September 1939
Fine on whole.
At 10 Dennis, Alys and Phil to Morris Grange for Phil to have re-fill by Dr Thompson. With dogs and James by rabbit holes. Doz and Eva to Ravensworth (walked). Poz and I to reservoir with dogs. Dennis out to lecture after dinner at 7. Russia and Germany making pact.
Saturday 30th September 1939
Fine.
Alys, Doz, Phil and I to Darlington in Lincoln Zephyr. Phil to Fothergill. Nurse home for day. I took James out. Alys and Denis to tell Shooter’s about poaching. Over Barber’s cottage with Alys. Mrs Telford and 3 daughters to tea and piping. Bee sugar to bees.
Memo:
27th War Budget, including tax to 7.6 in £. 2/- rise. To 8.6 later.
Sunday 1st October 1939
Rain. Heavy
Nurse a cold so I drove her home to Leyburn – 19 miles in Phil’s car. Rained all way back. Dennis mended chair leg. In p.m. took James out in rain till 3. Then indoors. Wrote Elsa: officers with us all for supper and then billiards with Dennis and listened-in News and talk by Winston Churchill. “Are you sure”.
Monday 2nd October 1939
Fine on whole. Showers.
Flowers from Minnie. Wrote to her. Out getting flowers and looking after James. Laid fire. At 2 Phil changed bees to new red hive. Warmed syrup for them. Alys out with James. I at 3, sat on milk-can in sun. Dennis had stretcher party 7.30 – 9.30 (bad colds) so Phil not in. Watched search light practice at 8 from balcony with Phil (Cozy stove started in dining-room).
Tuesday 3rd October 1939
Fine. Cool.
Out with James. Phil, Alys, Doz to Richmond in Phil’s car. Hair-cut. Did some weeding on path and cuttings from double nasturtiums, and then boiled bee syrup. Class at 6.30 in nursery. Nurse bandaged me, Phil and Miss Brown. Dennis quick dinner and out to Ravensworth after. In at 10.10.
Wednesday 4th October 1939
Fine. Cold.
Dennis, Poz, Eva and James in Phil’s car to Richmond. I mended chart (heart). Doz and I did 60 cuttings of double nasturtiums. After tea, Poz and Alys cut out nightshirts (hospital). At 7.45 Dennis and Phil to Dalton (poisons). Searchlight exercises with bomber which got lost.
Thursday 5th October 1939
Rainy. Dull.
Out in rain and picked up windfalls and out with dogs. Doz and Phil making pipe. Dennis, Doz and Eva to Ravensworth. Walked. Dennis and Phil to Eppleby (biology talk). Mr Brown dined with us. We all knitting bed-socks.
Friday 6th October 1939
Fine. Mild.
At 12, listened to Hitler’s speech to Reichstag. With Phil to Richmond. Each bought 12lb bacon at Liptons! Did flowers. Others sewing sheets in nursery. Telford’s to make pipes with Doz. Poz and I picked Cox’s apples off tree (Birds and wasps). Bandaging class at 6.30. Dennis to Ravensworth. 7.45.
Saturday 7th October 1939
Fine first, showery.
Dennis, Alys and Poz to Barnard Castle B.G.O. (Dennis to Dr Warren). Doz and I trying to make bee candy. Dennis and Phil out to Eppleby till 8.20. We missed Bandwagon. Mr Steel to dinner with us and news. Then he and Dennis played Slosh. We did murder problem from Ladies Home Journal.
Memo:
5th Wrote U.L.A.W’s and Times for Hitler.
Sunday 8th October 1939
Fine day.
All of us making bonfire for charcoal. In p.m. Dennis and Alys to Catterick. Ambulance tests. Doz and I made charcoal. “Are you Sure”.
Monday 9th October 1939
(no weather)
Doing syrup for bees. Steel in to dinner and news and played the xylophone.
Tuesday 10th October 1939
Very fine day.
Doing syrup with Doz in p.m. Eva out with James. Alys with Florence to Richmond in p.m. Phil gave bees candy and covered hives (5). Late for lecture (Dennis physiology) 6.30 as doing another brew of candy. Brown into dinner. Pipes in evening. Kim worm pill; then he sick.
Wednesday 11th October 1939
Misty. Mild.
Doz in bed with cold. I tried melting down bee sugar and burnt it. Then made fresh candy. Poz helped. Dennis and Alys to Pulleine’s. Alys and I washed up lunch as Florence helping Jack window-clean. Jack away in evening to join Militia; Steel in to dinner and began to learn pipes in evening. Dennis out at lecture.
Thursday 12th October 1939
Mild and perfect a.m. Dull later.
Doz in bed all day. Doing candy for bees with Poz. Wrong again. Picked chrysanthemums. In p.m. I to Richmond alone. Hair done 4/- (6d tip because quick). Back to tea. Phil got petrol in my car. Alys and Phil scraped off candy and Poz and I boiled it again with thermometer. Lecture at 6.30 – 8 (unconsciousness). Both officers in to dinner and pipes in evening.
Friday 13th October 1939
Showery. Mild.
Dennis in smoke-room for meals (cold). Doz still in bedroom for meals (cold). Phil and I to Richmond. Bought Wellingtons (Dunlop). Did flowers in p.m. and syrup in jars. Dennis lecture in nursery 730 – 930. Doz in bed all day (but observations and respirations). Steel to Morritt and Brown dined with us all did Times crossword in evening.
Saturday 14th October 1939
Dull. Bright intervals.
Out with dogs and James. Doz up and had lunch. Soldiers filling sandbags. With Dennis in smoke-room. Alys and Poz to Richmond Florence with Barbers to Darlington. Doz and Dennis all meals in smoke-room. Steel dines with us (in civil dress). Brown on leave. Thumb ached in night a bit.
Memo:
H.M.S. Royal Oak sunk (14th) in Scapa Flow (at anchor) about 800 lost 1.30 a.m.
Sunday 15th October 1939
Fine.
Doz and Dennis both down to breakfast with us all. In garden apples and Debby’s grave. Alys and Dennis packing Dennis’ things. Neither officer to supper. “Are you sure”. Poisoned thumb kept me awake.
Monday 16th October 1939
Perfect day.
Dennis away in BGO to London. 10.15 (to Doris at Edgware). One Hoult’s van came and was unpacked into potato room. In p.m. Alys, Florence and I sorted and arranged and unpacked things from 4 Cambridge Gate. Mr Booth to tea. I out with James in garden. Bread poultice on thumb, which helped a lot. Again at night.
Tuesday 17th October 1939
Cold. Fine on whole.
Hoult’s 2nd van arrived 10.15. Up with Alys getting things in places, till 1.50. Then lunch. Air-raid warning at 1.45. In p.m. up again to settle things in, and arrange Phil with car brought some down to Hall. Bread poultices 3 or 4 times on thumb.
Wednesday 18th October 1939
Fine with little showers.
Alys breakfast in still room as coldy. Arranged things – cupboard and desk. At 2, Eva and I in BHN to Catterick and Dr Woodsend. Cut open my thumb abscess. No pain.
Thursday 19th October 1939
Fine, showers in a.m.
Phil, Eva and James to Richmond. Alys strained her back again. Brought shoe-shelves down. Doz with me to Richmond in p.m., as onions forgotten in a.m. Mr Steel in to dine and the News and all piped in evening.
Friday 20th October 1939
Perfect day.
Poz in bed all day with slight cold (M&B). I ironed and washed green curtain for shoe cupboard and put it up. Put up notice of Red Cross Flag Day on board. Put up chintz curtains in dining-room with Alys, Doz and Eva working on seat in garden. Hot. Stretcher-party at 7. Phil dined at 8.45 with officers. Eva very bad rheumatism in evening (wept).
Saturday 21st October 1939
Perfect. Warm day.
Poz in bed all day. Eva to Richmond with Alys. I with James in garden and peach-house, leaves. Phil took flowers to Hutton for Harvest Thanksgiving. Doz too. Did flowers. I gave Doz lesson in driving car in Collier Lane 2 – 3. Then with James and Alys in (Eva resting, nurse out). Phil to see incendiary bomb practice. Mr Steel in to dine and afterwards. News and very good talk by Hore-Belisha. Eva had Epsom Salts bath; rheumatism better. Alys and I to East Layton for Dennis’ letter.
Memo:
16th Air Raid over Forth Bridge
21st Ella’s birthday
24th West Layton. Flag-day, Red Cross. Paxton to do cistern.
Sunday 22nd October 1939
Fine, some clouds.
Poz in bed all day. Gave Kimbo worm pill. Bill Brown at breakfast (K. Steel on leave). Made beds. Out with James to rabbit hole. Stuck ceiling paper up in “Henry’s” Room. Got out “Lapworth” file for Dennis and did it up. Eva and Phil to tea at Woodsend’s in my car. Mended Phil’s long chair. “Are you Sure” in evening. Officers not in till 9 to supper.
Monday 23rd October 1939
Fine. Mild.
Alys and Doz made new black-outs for servants’ rooms. Machining. I sent off Phil’s coat to Walters’ again and Phil took to East Layton with Dennis’ Lapworth file. I greased plated stuff in stables. Read “Union (Federal)” by Streit. Washed cloths. Telford’s for piping. Phil to Eppleby 7 – 8.30. Steel to dine but not in later.
Tuesday 24th October 1939
Lovely day.
Paxton here to put new hot water cistern in Mason. Cleaned smoke-room chimney. Poz down after breakfast in nursery. Alys and I to Richmond. Nurse out. Doz took James out till 3. I ironed nightgown and took James till 4 by Corner’s. After tea. I gave Doz a driving lesson; and to East Layton for letters. Phil had a First Aid Meeting 7.30 – 9 (Steel for dinner at 7 with us).
Wednesday 25th October 1939
Perfect day. Cold.
Mended Phil’s chair with webbing in garden. All of us in 2 cars to Bowes Moor Hotel. To lunch (3/6) to save work as cistern being put in. Barber finishing compost heap. Gave Doz a driving lesson. She changed up to second. We met shooters, Mellor. Steel out, Brown in to dine. Made button-holes in soldier’s shirts.
Thursday 26th October 1939
Very cold. Snow. Rain. Hail. Thunder. Sun.
Snow! James’ first sight of it. Pleased and excited. Out looking for Blain to open garage. In p.m. Alys and I called on Mrs Barnes, Mrs Hodgson, Mrs Elgy, Mrs Johnson about working party for Red Cross. Doz walked to Ravensworth. Steel in to dine and news.
Friday 27th October 1939
Fine.
Alys and Doz and Eva to Richmond (Mrs Pulleine and Lady Pease about Red Cross work). I in garden with Poz and James. Gave Doz driving lesson at 2.30 – 3.15. To Warehouse with Alys, James and Eva. James in puddle. Getting things for Rummage Sale. Both officers for dinner. Mr Booth for Rummage Sale things.
Saturday 28th October 1939
Fine. Cold.
Alys and Poz to Richmond. Doz and I putting rubble and charcoal layers in compost. In p.m. Doz doing tapes on soldiers’ bed garment. I darning Phil’s trouser tears. Alys with Eva and James in Phil’s car for petrol. Steel in to dine and for news.
Memo:
26th Hot water cistern in. Hot water again!
Sunday 29th October 1939
Rainy most of day.
Alys and I in Chapel Room. Lighted wood fire. Took in logs. Polished and vaselined brass. Same in p.m. Eva up there too. John Heigham to tea. Electric Plant failed. Got candles out but Phil put it right 6.30 or so. Mr Brown to supper and news and ½ “Are you sure”.
Monday 30th October 1939
Fine.
Did layers of grass on compost heap with Doz and Poz. Finished mending Phil’s trousers. In p.m. putting candlesticks away in attic. Phil to Eppleby 6.30 and dinner at 8.15 for all of us. Officers at 9. Searchlight practice. Mr Steel a cold and both officers in their room.
Tuesday 31st October 1939
Dull. Showery.
Worried about blue-tit and busy getting it out from behind china cabinet on staircase. Great business (Alys, Phil and I). Telford’s at 5.30 till 71.5. Doz and I to Ravensworth, walking p.m. – humbugs and postcards. Sent off cases to Dennis and wrote to him. Made arms for chair. Mr Brown in to dinner and News.
Wednesday 1st November 1939
Misty. Dull
Officers breakfast in their room. Connie Barber a cold. Doz and I did layers of cabbage leaves, lime on compost. Poz, too, with wheelbarrow in a.m. Alys and Phil to Richmond. Phil’s hair cut. Talked to Doz about compost. Then she rested. Wrote Aunt Bella. Dinner 7. Phil had class 8.30 – 9.20.
Thursday 2nd November 1939
Dull and damp.
Doz’s birthday. Gave her 3/- book stamps and 1/0 postcards. Poz, Doz and I at compost heap. Nasturtiums, verbena in soil. In p.m. searched files for Dennis. Alys and Eva helping all p.m. Mrs Brown and Dorothy Brown and a Miss Moore to tea.
Friday 3rd November 1939
Dull and dark.
Alys and I got things in car for Jumble. Then I to compost, cabbage layer with Poz and Doz. At 1.45, Alys and I to Richmond to Market Hall with Jumble. Shopped. Then Lady Pease asked us to help sell; so at 4 we helped selling and watching shoes. Dennis arrived at 6.15 in new Ford 8 (1938). EYT from London.
Saturday 4th November 1939
Rainy and mild
Officers in to breakfast again. Out for Times. Dennis and Alys to Darlington – Dennis x-ray of abdomen by Fothergill. Nurse out. Poz and Doz red cross-work. I darning in dining-room. At 2, I with Dennis to Smallways in new Ford. I drove back. Doz took James to Ravensworth. Eva met her, but not feeling well later. Brown to dinner; Steel 24 hours leave.
Memo:
Wrote Aunt Bella 1st
Sunday 5th November 1939
Very fine. Warm sunshine.
Eva in bed all day. Phil fed bees again 2 p.m. I with Alys and James to “Warehouse”. Lit fire. Dennis, Doz and Poz bonfire for charcoal. Phil putting rods up for bin-cover. Helped with bonfire. In p.m. to Warehouse again. Polishing. Dr Fothergill to tea. Both officers to supper and news and “Are you sure”.
Monday 6th November 1939
Dullish, Warm sun.
Letter from Kitty. Busy about garden and house and compost. Eva in bed till dinner-time. Dennis doing compost. Cutting rock garden grasses. Phil to Eppleby. Dinner 8.15. News then cin show by Dennis and Phil till 11.10!
Tuesday 7th November 1939
Fine on whole.
Dennis away to London at 10.30 in EYT. Eva up to lunch. Blow’s representative called. Out in compost with Poz and Doz. Wrote Kitty and Sissie (about cat Peter). Alys, Eva, James and Florence to Richmond in BHN. Nurse out. News and Lord Halifax broadcast in evening. Dennis phoned from Great North Road Hotel. Steel to dine.
Wednesday 8th November 1939
Changeable. Mild. Windy.
At 9.45 Alys and Phil off in CUC for North Road Hotel, Near Knebworth. Poz, Doz and I to Richmond to Mrs Pulleine’s to work and to fetch more “helpless shirts”. Doz had haircut. Got 5 gallons Mobil Oil Arctic Cruddace’s £1.13.9. Lunch. Doz and I on compost work; artichoke stalks. After tea, out again at compost. Brown to dinner. Gale day and night. Window only crack open.
Thursday 9th November 1939
Fine. Mild.
(Hitler escaped death in BierKellar explosion). Worked on compost, and getting parrot-feather in from ponds and spreading it on; cabbages. In p.m. washed clothes. For Times with dogs. Miss Telford’s came to pipe 5.15 till 7.30. Out with Eva and James seeking chickens, fed.
Friday 10th November 1939
Very fine.
I washed arms of chairs. Cards for wreaths. Eva and I to Richmond 1.30 for Banks. P.C. Johnson’s funeral at 2 p.m. Mr Read came about engine. Alys and Phil back from London at 4.10 p.m. (drove from Knebworth). Doz began shirt, unbleached) Mr Brown to dine. Phil to bed after bath.
Saturday 11th November 1939
(no weather)
Phil in bed. Boil and stiff. Alys and Eva to Richmond. Hoults called for mirror. Poz, Doz and I bonfire and compost. Horse dung, seakale leaves. In p.m. read in nursery and at 3.15 met Alys with James and took him in pram up street. Kim came. Put bonfire out after tea. Steel to dinner and news in Alys’ bedroom as Pye battery out.
Memo:
9th Phil to Chandler
9th Letter to Sissie about cat, Peter.
5th Raspberries for supper (fresh from garden)
9th 8 weeks Pickin from Sept 14 to 9th.
Sunday 12th November 1939
Mild p.m. Phil in bed all day (boil). Better otherwise. Lighted fire in “warehouse”. Poz and Doz lighted bonfire, and compost. I too in p.m. and got wood-ash from “Warehouse” fire. Mr Steel in for supper and “Are you sure”
Monday 13th November 1939
Misty. Then fine. Showers later.
Phil in bed all day (boil). Ironed chair arm covers. Out at 12.15 to compost. Miss Brown all p.m. lesson in pipe-making from Doz in top-room. Asked Barber to take down dead oak-tree. Took leaves from ponds. Put chair covers on chairs. Doz doing shirts. Mr Brown at dinner announced his engagement to Babette Mackenzie Lukro.
Tuesday 14th November 1939
Fine showers. Mild.
Eva and I to Richmond. Got 2 gallons petrol at 1/9½ a gallon! Doz, Eva and I to tea at Dunsa Bank. Mrs and Dorothea Brown and Miss Moore. In my car. Both officers to dinner and Churchill’s speech, both in for it. Phil in bed all day.
Wednesday 15th November 1939
Fine on whole, rain in evening.
Phil down to breakfast and in hut (Eva had letter from Teddy suggesting her going to Cairo). Compost heap with Poz and Doz. Not in p.m. Read on sofa. Insurance men called. Phil in from hut to see them. Out with James and Eva after tea and Doz. Then leaves from pond. Made new net for them. Steel to dinner (1st day Gatherley Castle).
Thursday 16th November 1939
Dullish. Mild. No rain.
Phil up but leg still nasty red place. Alys and Poz and Eva to Richmond. Doz and I undid hop-pockets and put last layer of green on compost. In p.m. began layer of earth, after “magic” herbal drillings! The Miss Telford’s for piping at 5.15 till 7.25. Brown to dinner and News. Many phone calls.
Friday 17th November 1939
Dull p.m. Fine a.m.
Air raid warning. Stage 3 at 1. Began sewing hop-pockets and Barber and Binky made division for 2 more composts. We did rubble layer, charcoal and some herbaceous border. Miss Brown at 2.30 for lesson (pipe). Sent off Wagner and pattern. Thomas to Dennis. Leaves from pond. Mr Steel to dinner and news (much talk of unrest and dissension in Germany).
Saturday 18th November 1939
Very fine.
Alys with Doz to Richmond. Poz and I did new compost bin and sewed hop-pockets. I took James out. Watched horse being shod. Then Doz met us, and took him. Steel on 4 hours leave. Brown and fiancée, Betty Luhrs, to dine, and she slept here. Summer-Time ended.
Memo:
Nov 13th 1st bomb on British soil – Shetland Isles
17th Air raid – on Lancaster
Sunday 19th November 1939
Perfect day. Mild (cold wind).
Poz, Doz and I put earth layer on big compost. Hard work, all a.m. Alys and Eva lit warehouse fire. Knitted on garden seat. Doz and I began “sea-stockings” in grey wool (mission to Seamen pattern). News and “Are you sure”.
Monday 20th November 1939
Perfect day.
Phil’s leg still very queer and itching. Fuss with Doz about wool sea-stocking pattern and Eva and I with Alys to Richmond. Got 2 gallons petrol at Smallways (with old 1 unit coupon!) and new petrol ration book – quiet p.m. Out with Eva and James by moonlight till 5.20. Both officers to dine for last time, as moving out to huts. George Robey in evening.
Tuesday 21st November 1939
Dull, but nice.
Letter from Elsa. Poz, Doz and I doing bonfire and sewing. Hop-pockets on compost-frame. Nurse out. I took (quarry) James out, then Alys. Soaked thumb which felt poisoned.
Wednesday 22nd November 1939
Dull, mild.
Compost in a.m. Sewed cover and put cleats in. All p.m. doing Notices about Dance for villages. Doz too. Phil did mine sweeper drawings. Mr Read all p.m. Electric light engine. Soaked sore thumb at intervals.
Thursday 23rd November 1939
Dull. Mild.
(all p.m. doing Dance notices again and I did after tea too). To compost. Cabbages and chrysanths and lime and ear layers. (soaked thumb which more yellow – head). Phil read us letter from George Buchanan, H.H.C. training, Aldershot. Telford’s came. All knitting grey sea-stockings in evening. Poz on sofa (felt still right side). News, and Sir Ernest Swinton.
Friday 24th November 1939
Perfect day. White frost.
Boil on thumb burst inside rubber glove. To Compost with Poz and Doz and put horse manure and chrysanthemums and cabbages on. Cleaned tools. Phil rested in nitch outside a.m. and p.m. I cleaned spades all p.m. Miss Brown to have pipe-lesson (nursery and top room). Out with Eva and Jim in moonlight. Played rhyming “Novels” after dinner.
Saturday 25th November 1939
Rain. Cold.
Alys and Poz to Richmond. I fetched car down, with James. Rained, so out with dogs and not compost. Doz in top room with pipes. Took James out in cold sleety rain in p.m. Doz took him from 3.15. News. Sewed patches on wash leather gloves.
Memo:
22nd Germans began sowing magnetic mines by sea-plane and u-boat. Many ships sunk. Dutch liner, Japanese liner and many others.
Sunday 26th November 1939
Fine.
Wrote Elsa and Adrian (at San in Camberley). Knitted in chevron to top of sea-stocking. Out with Doz to post (4) and along East Layton Road with dogs. Saw Cairns. P. and Ayr. Played with James. News and Talk by Mr Chamberlain.
Monday 27th November 1939
Sun and showers. Rainbows.
Eva with Phil to Darlington. Doz and I doing compost. Poz bonfire. In p.m. I making bee-sugar alone, and after tea, it cooling off. Oats too. In evening, heard that Rationing Bacon and Butter will begin on January 8th.
Tuesday 28th November 1939
Perfect a.m. Dull p.m.
Alys helping with bee-sugar again (to 243). Phil doing wax. Doing bee-sugar. Poz and Doz compost. Doz resting in p.m. Miss Brown rang up and came for wool. I knitting in dining-room. To cellar with Alys. In p.m. we did “uplift” verses till News (Soviet and Finland very grave situation).
Wednesday 29th November 1939
Perfect a.m. Dull later. 54 in shade.
Letter from Aunt Bella (censored). Poz and Doz to Richmond with Alys (to Pulleine’s). I out with James and Zeus for paper then sat with Eva in garden, knitting in sun, till 1. (Phil looked at bees, but sugar not gone). Did dance notice in p.m. with Doz. Alys, Eva, James and I to top room (in dark). Phil’s lathe “goes niminy-piminy. Knitting, news.
Russia invaded Finland.
Thursday 30th November 1939
Dull. Mild.
Did some of Notices for Carnival Dance. Out to compost with Poz and Doz. Cabbage, lime. In p.m. painted another notice and Doz and I hung up one on notice board. Miss Telford’s came. Phil to Eppleby, lecture 6.30, 1 at 7.30. Binks came here and Phil lectured till 9 and had supper in sitting-room.
Friday 1st December 1939
Dull. Very mild.
Doz with me in car to take Carnival Dance notices to Caldwell, Eppleby, Forcett, Aldbro, Melsomby (R.A.M.C. practising at Forcett). In p.m, I did another notice. Doz had Miss Brown to make pipe. Eva very upset in a.m. and at teatime. I made another notice. Eva to bed at 9 and we had News. Doz produced jigsaw piece.
Saturday 2nd December 1939
Sunshine and heavy showers. Cooler.
Alys and Eva and James with Phil to Richmond (hood up). I to get Times (twice). Heavy hail shower. Poz, Doz and I to lunch, 1 at Dunsa Bank. Then on with Mrs and Miss Brown in Alvis. We in my car. To Dalton School room. Pipe concert , Miss Telford’s and Poz and Doz. We took Mrs Brown home, as Miss Brown to Red Cross Exam at Ravensworth. Nurse out. Alys and Eva had James up in top room with Phil at 5.15. Did emery-papering for high engine after. Eva and Phil jigsaw in evening and News.
Memo:
Put ilon salve on thumb.
2nd Wrote Dennis with Morgan cards
2nd Pipe concert at Ravensworth
Sunday 3rd December 1939
Dull. Cold.
Out to compost. Doz bent on changing over. Read newspaper in dining-room p.m. Doz sewing shirt there. In top room knitting. Phil at lathe. “Are you sure”. News.
Monday 4th December 1939
Fine. Cold. Sun and snow.
Phil, Alys and Eva to Darlington in Phil’s car. Hair. I with James and dogs. Garage and Times. Washed things and mended stocking. Phil and Eva did jigsaw puzzle.
Tuesday 5th December 1939
Snow, fine. Sleet showers.
Snow on ground. No “Times” came. Out making snowball and snowman with James. Alys, Phil and James dismantled batteries in flower room. In p.m. I took James to Ravensworth to post Dennis’ folder (Slaughter). Eva took James till 3. Peggy Blaine in with raffles (Miss Brown’s). Jigsaws and News and knitting.
Wednesday 6th December 1939
Perfect day. Cold.
I drove Poz (and Doz) (Doz got out at Gilling and walked home) to Richmond. Shopped and to Mrs Pulleine’s. In p.m. Wrote C.B. Davey for Auntie Kate’s ring. With Alys to warehouse. Kimbo got shut up there. 3p.m. till 9p.m! Listened in to Girsewood’s World goes by. New Zealand pilot and man in torpedoed boat. Jigsaw finished. Churchill and News.
Thursday 7th December 1939
White frost and fog.
Helping with clearing flower-room and wrote Adrian. Poz and Doz to Hutton Fields in fog. Began mittens for Phil in Teddy’s wool. Miss Telford’s after tea for piping. Phil in too. Phil started new jigsaw (old one really). Doz helped Alys, Eva and me to make smoke-room into comfortable consulting room in p.m.
Friday 8th December 1939
Thick mist and rain.
Busy putting back things in flower-room. Marble slabs and things to top room. Knitting Phil’s mittens in dining-room; Very dark. Dennis and Helen Wright (lab assistant) arrived in Ford 8 (EYT) at 5.15. News at 6. Flue and pipes and knitting in evening.
Saturday 9th December 1939
Milder. Fine a.m.
Lord Bolton came at 10 to have a morning exam. Lieutenant Steel in after breakfast. Alys and Poz to Richmond (and Zeus). I with James a little. Phil and Eva for walk. Doz took James out till 3. Then Eva – cold and raining in p.m. Phil and Helen Wright did jigsaw. Dennis felt slight sore throat in evening.
Memo:
7th Wrote Adrian
4th Phil’s Pye battery out. Refilled one 5th
5th No Times. Came 6th
Sunday 10th December 1939
Fine a.m.
Dennis bad cold and in bed all day. Helped Alys to make Dennis’ bed in smoke-room. Doz with me to warehouse – lit fire. Sewed on curtain rings. In p.m. put soap flakes on granary floor to polish. Jigsaw. News. Knitting.
Monday 11th December 1939
Fine a.m.
Helen Wright in gun-room. Dennis in bed all day. Sore throat and meals. Got logs down in old pram. Mr Reed and Blackstone engine man came. I to Wardle’s about butter. Dick Cave and Lance Bromley came unexpectedly (en-route Edinburgh). Stayed tea, dinner and night. Lieutenant Steel to dine. Phil did film of Murren with Bromley’s in it.
Tuesday 12th December 1939
Dull.
Dennis and Helen Wright breakfast in gun-room and away at about 10 to London. Dr Woodsend in. Saw Eva. Alys and Phil walked Collier Lane. Phil horrid feelings in throat-nose. Knitted a lot, and cleared up after weekend. Sat with Phil in lathe-room, after tea. News and Talk on Hitler’s speeches good. (Dick and Lance away at 10.30).
Wednesday 13th December 1939
Dull. Coldish.
Alys rang up Dennis about Phil’s seeing Chandler. Padre called. Appointment 5.30 14th so Alys and Phil off in Phil’s car after lunch. Slept Bell (Retford). Put in 4 cans petrol. Eva for walk alone. Finished 2nd pair seaboot stockings. News and Transport Minister (Euan Williams) Talk.
Thursday 14th December 1939
Dull. Dark. Cold.
Doz to Barnard Castle with Miss Brown. Washed glass battery holder. Eva and I to Richmond. Fish, petrol, stockings, hair trim 1/-. Bronco. Miss Telford’s and Miss Brown to pipe at 5.15. News of Graf Von Spee and Exeter, Achilles, Ajax. Battle off Montevideo.
Friday 15th December 1939
Dull. Cold.
Made 2 more notices for Dance, one a.m. one in p.m. Nurse took butter to post to Dennis and also seaboot stockings to post. Sent ration card to Dennis. Began helmet knitting in Mrs Pulleine’s grey wool.
Saturday 16th December 1939
Dull and cold.
Wire saying “started 11”. Took dogs out across field. Washed things. Took James out in p.m. towards East Layton. 2nd Lieutenant Brown came and stayed tea. Mrs Barber and Florence to Darlington. Knitted, read papers. News and New Zealander’s talk.
Memo:
14th Phil to Chandler and Bedford Russell.
16th Sent letter back to Aunt Bella
Wrote Lois 17th Agatha, Marjorie Leggett.
12th Pye battery out
12th Sent Salt of the Sea to Edward Buchanan
Sunday 17th December 1939
Cold. Dark.
Lighted fire in warehouse. Eva up there too. Wrote M.Leggett. Alys and Phil arrived back at about 2.45. Talk and Phil rest on bed. “Are you sure”.
Monday 18th December 1939
Sunny. Nice.
Phil took photos of James. Washed Phil’s brown pullover. Ironed nightdress. Florence gave notice. Alys drove Doz and Eva to villages to sell raffle tickets. Melsomby only. Phil still feeling horrid smell and taste.
Tuesday 19th December 1939
Fine. Sunny.
Washed out spilt coffee and darned tablecloth. In p.m. with Alys hoeing soap flakes off granary floor! Hemmed tablecloth. Phil busy with knitting machine, turning heels till past 10.15. Pye battery out.
Wednesday 20th December 1939
Cool rain in Richmond.
Drove Poz and Doz to Richmond. Lots of shopping and to Pulleine’s. Mr Booth to tea. Dick Cave and Lance Bromley at 5. They played billiards in evening. Phil at knitting-machine.
Thursday 21st December 1939
Perfect day.
Alys and Eva with Phil in Phil’s car to Darlington to get toys – James. In p.m. doing “Cloak Room” and its blackout for dance. Alys and Phil to dine at Officers’ huts (Phil feeling slightly better). Phil knitted sock after tea on machine.
Friday 22nd December 1939
Perfect day. Frost.
Officers’ “Menu” discovered. Up in Granary (ballroom) blackout for windows (6) and one in p.m. Others cleaning and doing floor. After dinner, Phil up alone to “Ballroom” and later 9.20, Alys and Doz and then Poz and I (Eva looking after James – Nannie at dance). Back 10.30. filled bottles.
Saturday 23rd December 1939
Perfect day. White frost.
Alys and Poz to Richmond (Doz walked from Gilling). Mr Booth came for chrysanths for altar. I unpicked tweed skirt. Took James out to quarry 2.30 – 3.45. Dennis arrived by car at 4.30 from Tempsford (helped at an accident in fog, en route). To look for “Times” at 7 (moonlight). Not there!
Memo:
Began paying Alys 25/- for board.
4/9 for portwine (raffle) – mine-sweep
Carnival Dance
18th Florence gave notice.
Sunday 24th December 1939
Perfect day.
Out with dogs. Dennis and Phil out a little way. Phil burnt holes in table for knitting machine. News and “Are you sure” in evening and Sunday Times general knowledge too.
Monday 25th December 1939
Lovely day.
No presents among ourselves but for Kitchen and James and Blain. To look for paper; met Harry Brown. To cellar with Alys. At 3 p.m. Speech by King. Mrs Blain brought Rona in to Christmas tree. 5.15. Just James and Rona. Lieutenant Steel to dinner 7.30. Evening dress. News and Gracie Fields concert to troops in France. Zeus felt sick in night, and I out with him till 1 a.m.
Tuesday 26th December 1939
Dull. Mildish.
Mended Dennis’ pocket. Eva rheumatic but out with Alys. Poz suggested their staying on here. Knitting and talks with Alys, Phil and Dennis in top room after tea. I to warehouse to get hot bottles (2 of Phil’s burst) with dogs at 7. Moon bright. Phil put knitting machine up again. Finnish ministers speech on wireless.
Wednesday 27th December 1939
Cold. Fine on whole.
Mr Harry Brown came and was in top-room with Dennis and Phil on track. Alys and Poz to Richmond. Doz walked back most of way. I out for walk with Eva along street. Knitted in p.m. with Doz doing Phil’s machined sock. Dennis and Alys to Dr Warren at Barnard Castle. Dennis gave Eva a “staph” injection. Blain a cold but up. Talk on Propaganda.
Thursday 28th December 1939
Fineish. Cold.
Water cold. Dennis and Phil had baths after breakfast. Very cold. To get Times. Barbara Bins getting rabbits. 10 soldiers to dinner (search lights) 1 o’clock and stayed till 3.45 or 4. Dancing Boomps-a-Daisy and Auld Lang Syne. Took dogs out. Phil had M & Baker at tea-time. Up in top room with him till 6.15. Phil to bed 8.45 feeling coldy.
Friday 29th December 1939
Very fine. Slight cover of snow – frost.
Phil in bed all day. Cold worse. James a bad cold too, and Nannie. Doz and I to Darlington. Shops. Lunch at Café opposite Post House Wynd in Skinnergate. I to Mr Badcock. Stopped a tooth 2.30 – 3. Doz to station about trains. Back 4 o’clock. Phil’s cold bad. Taking M & B day and night. James difficult at bedtime. Sedebrol and good night.
Saturday 30th December 1939
Dull. Cold. 9 degrees.
Covered shallow pond with sacks. Thick ice everywhere. Eva with Dennis to Richmond. James much better. Nurse too. She out in p.m. Eva took James. Then Dennis and I to Richmond (taking James). For Mr Singleton’s petrol coupons. Phil feeling cold and cough bad but 98. Wrote Lois and Rolfe.
Memo:
30/- to Alys this week as Xmas.
29th 2.30 Badcock.
Wrote Roly 26th
Weekend 24th Terrible fog in south. Boat from Jersey 3 days instead of 6 hours and Isle of Wight boat also. Sunny up here. Inform all aerodromes, gun and searchlights. Unidentified aircraft. Twin reindeer engine approaching south coast. Suspect pilot. Covered snow. “S. Claus”. Extra sentry put on.
Sunday 31st December 1939
Perfect day. Hard frost. Warm sun.
Phil sick 6 times. Alys up all night. Phil stopped being sick;; no temperature (owing to M & B?). Alys with him most of day. Wandered about feeding birds. Dogs on ponds, thick ice. Sat on edge of Phil’s hut in sun, writing to Kitty. Dennis read paper outdoors in nitch. Eva sneezing in evening and to bed 9.30 (or upstairs in Phil’s room). He better. Medicinal and good night as M&B stopped. Zeus ear irritating.
The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate 