In 1942, Edward is 66 years old, Kate is 63 years old and Alys is 58 years old. Eva is 33 years old and Philip is 29 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son). James is 4 years old (Eva and Teddy’s son) and Eve (Eva and Teddy’s’ daughter) is 2 years old.
Name and Address:
Katharine Boyd
Layton Manor
West Layton
Richmond
Yorks
Telephone No: East Layton 10.
Motor Car:
Registered No. 545
N.B. Couldn’t get usual Walkers “52” Diary, so finally had to get this and change position of days to make it resemble others, for easier reference (Walker’s and Letts bombed last year).
An opportunist is a man who meets the wolf at the door, and turns up next morning in a fur coat. – Quoted by Leonard Brockington, January 18th
The Promised Land –
Jews say “Half-promised”
Arabs say “Twice promised”.
Sir Ronald Storr
Thursday 1st January 1942
Very fine. Mild.
Breakfast 9. Gladys brought hot water 9.30. Fed chickens in orchard. Tidied up and made my bed and Alys’ and folded up James’ folding bed. Dusted. Wrote M. Leggett. Began green jumper for Eve after supper. War Commentary by Major General Collins.
Friday 2nd January 1942
Fineish. Mild.
Did laundry. Out to orchard. Clipped hedge, back drive. Wrote Ays and Lucy. Sent off jigsaws to Teeds. Washed Alys’ bodice.
Saturday 3rd January 1942
Very mild. Paid wages, Bewley’s and Blain. Did up parcels. Tea for Barnard’s and vest (Alys). Wrote with them. Met sausages, 4.15 and found old ones!? Mended arcade coconut mat. Bewley’s out. No hot water stove. Cooked tomatoes, onion, milk and sausage for supper.
Memo:
30th Got new clothes ration card
30th Wool (5oz) for Eve’s jersey 3/-
30th Blackout ends 8.55
Sunday 4th January 1942
No weather.
Washed nightgowns. In garden in rain. Fed hens. Captain Hewitt in for caravan key. Wrote Elsa to Mill Inn, Witherington, Near Cheltenham. Made case for feather pillow from attic. Ironed clothes. Gladys brought my supper though really her day out. “Bounty” and “Pirates of Penzance”. Eden’s talk as P.S.
Monday 5th January 1942
Snow on ground.
Letter from Alys enclosing Eva’s. Alys to go to Hereford 6th. Out in snow and sun. Sorted out newspaper – Churchill’s speeches. George doing potato store. Rats got in. Supper by fire on little table. “Man in Iron Mask”.
Tuesday 6th January 1942
Fine, cold.
Out with dogs. Knitted Eve’s jersey – green. Washed (boiled) mats and dish-cloths and mended latter. Out in snow. Brushed and combed both dogs at Phil’s hut in sun. Pye stopped. Battery? Mrs Hird cleaned Eva’s room and night nursery, bathrooms.
Wednesday 7th January 1942
Fine. Sun.
Mrs Hird for kitchen. Lettercard from Alys and letter from Eva. Sent wire about pushers. Out in snow and sun and orchard. Wrote Alys and sent parcel, her rubber gloves. Eva’s pen and Teeds’ jigsaw. Wrote Phil and sent chocolate (3 tablets and nut lump). Blain stomach chill. Not out all day. Cup of Amy Steel’s vitamin “Sunray”.
Thursday 8th January 1942
Fine. Cool.
To Blain’s at 10 – he having scrambled egg. Got battery and put it in Pye. Wrote Mr Booth about applicants Foxhall. Put laundry away. Called Gell’s, Barnes’ about parcel and Holt about paper. Clipped hedge. George lit stove for hot-house. Mrs Mash in and I to play Rummy and drink Stone’s ginger wine with them.
Friday 9th January 1942
Snow and sun.
To Richmond in car. Got car license, 2 dog licenses, wireless license. Banks. Took Zeus with me. Miss Pease left Red Cross box for collection. Did washing. Sent parcel with 3 oranges, 2 apples, chocolate peppermints to Alys at Hereford. Mrs Mash in to say goodbye.
Saturday 10th January 1942
Nice day. Specially p.m.
Out in orchard. Clipped hedge and ho’ed paths, cleaned copper, brass and silver. Fetched sausages 4.15 (and Nannie (by bus) to stay till Tuesday.) Bewley’s out. Mended Wade’s chair and covered arms. Fried eggs for supper. Many planes over in evening.
Sunday 11th January 1942
Dull. Cold.
12° Frost. Out to orchard to hens. Painted some pictures for Eve; rabbits, hens. “Androcles and the Lion” radio. Washed clothes. Captain Hewitt and Fumpf in with papers. P.S. by Emlyn Williams about Esmond Knight, actor, blinded on “Prince of Wales”. Scrapbook. Brunel and Tunnel with worm. Navalis.
Monday 12th January 1942
Very cold. Dull.
Out to orchard. Painted in Eve’s books. Wire from Phil, asking for skates. Did them up and sent off. Called on Mrs Cliff for rent. “The Blackcap” Eden Philpotts on wireless.
Tuesday 13th January 1942
Thaw.
Snow and snowploughs. Dug paths. Did up parcels and sent off enamel basin, knives, strainer. Did up eggs 11 and pullets’ in egg box. Wrote Alys and Doz about hot bottles.
Wednesday 14th January 1942
Dull. Raw and slippery
To Barnard Castle by 10 bus. Posted eggs to Alys 10d. To Hunter’s. Bill error, Bought port and pilchards. 11.10 bus back. Mrs Hird cleaned Alys’ room and pantry and kitchens in p.m. Visits collecting for Red Cross – 1d a week. Holt, Dimmock, Barnes (3d), Hodgson, Pringle, Blain. Home for tea. Posted Alys’ skirt and James’ blanket and “drinking man” to Hereford and chocolate powder to Phil. To Gell and O’Brien for 1d. Alys phoned 7.10. Asked for cigarettes and sugar.
Impossible to get usual Walkers’ Diary; Walkers and Letts? Bombed last year.
“Hellfire” Halfaya Pass surrendered 17th.
Thursday 15th January 1942
Very cold and dull.
Bought insurance stamps. Did up parcel of sugar and cigs; and Ovid and “Specialist”. To Richmond by bus 11.45. Post Office. Back by 12.45 bus. Fed chickens. George pruning vines. Wrote Alys. To post and Elgey’s and Hills. (where Rush’s) for 1d a week fund. Captain Hewitt asked for ping-pong table for inter-sectional Competition. Gladys to Ravensworth about cheese. Singleton’s sent goods. Paper salvage taken.
Friday 16th January 1942
Very, very cold and dull.
Did laundry. To orchard. Sent rhinitis to Alys with letter. Hunter’s man brought ham. But not my butter ration. Refunded 14.7. Wrote to Guy Hunter about it. Very, very cold and dull all day. Out with dogs. Put stamps on all Insurance cards. Brain, George, Gladys. Chelyuskin Arctic expedition radio. Sir Ed. Campbell on Dutch East Indies.
Saturday 17th January 1942
Cold and dull.
Paid wages. Out to orchard. Sent off Hunter’s letter. Bewley’s to Richmond. Miss Peacock brought sausages in at 4.30. Took to Blain’s. Wrote Menie and postcard to Teeds. Captain Hewitt in to phone. Alys rang up (Eva and Teddy at Kerry) – 9 minute talk. She laryngeal – hoarseness. Churchill returned from U.S.A. (flying boat).
Memo:
Began 1d a week Red Cross Collecting.
15th War Commentary – Admiral Dickens.
Russians re-take Mojaisk (Mozhaysk)
Sunday 18th January 1942
Very cold and dull.
Felt coldy. Finished knitting Eve’s green jersey and sewed it up. Out orchard. Bewley p.m. but did stove. Mended Zeus’ basket. Lord David Cecil, William Cowper P.S After News by Leonard Brockington. Nice Canadian – perfect English. Max Beerbohm on music halls. Very charming. Benzedrine.
Monday 19th January 1942
Very, very cold. Windy.
Out to hens. Phoned Brown’s that not going as a cold. Wrote Mr Booth. To meet butter ration on bus 2.45 from Hunter’s. Ironed Eve’s jersey and sewed buttons. Out in blizzard at 8.20 with dogs. Wrote Kit on knee. Officers and men out to concert. Benzedrine.
Tuesday 20th January 1942
Cold. Dull.
Out in snow, shovelling it, men with snow-loughs. Cleared snow from rooms too, drifted in everywhere. Mr Mash to East Layton for letters. No newspaper. Wrote Alys. Posted that and Kit’s at 6. Knitted Phil’s sock, listened Brain’s Trust 8.15. News and Sir Ronald Storr, Near East Turkey.
Wednesday 21st January 1942
Very cold. Dull.
To orchard; George took gloves for goldfish out. Mrs Hird cleaned sitting-room. Mended Zeus’ bath towel – machined it. Miss Peacock came 4, bringing fresh sausage meat – very good. Cold heavy. Batman brought mail. Hands hurt. Finished 1st sock of Phil’s. Captain Hewitt talked till 10.30 (into phone).
Thursday 22nd January 1942
Very, very cold. Dull. Snow.
More snow and very cold. Not out in a.m. Men snow-ploughing again. Wrote Alys. Did up Eve’s jersey with letter to Eva, but not posted. Too cold to wait for mail-van. Heavyish cold in nose. Benzedrine. To greenhouse to see goldfish 5.45. War Commentary “German Home Front” by Leonard Ingrams. William Morris, Lord Nuffield.
Friday 23rd January 1942
Less cold, very dark.
Out, slight rain, ice underfoot. Did laundry. In p.m. to Holt and Dimmock and O’Brian for 1 Red Cross. No mail able to get through from East Layton. Wrote Sissie with Dr Wharton’s (Banbury) name. Mrs Mash phoned from Tunbridge Wells.
Saturday 24th January 1942
Sun in a.m. Some rain, thaw.
Out in sun! to orchard. Did up Odette Clarke’s folder and Eve’s jersey with letters (Odette and Eva). To Pringle’s for 1d Red Cross. To meet sausages 4.14. Then (bus very late) missed mail van which early so parcels couldn’t go! To Blain’s with sausages and to get 1d Red Cross. Mended night socks. Knitted. (Bewleys’ not out so George did stove). Rain at 5.30. I cooked egg.
Memo
Brains Trust Tues 8.15 Elmer Davis
Meet 2.15 Bus Baranrd Castle Monday.
To Brown’s 4
24th 1st sunshine since 10th – 2 weeks.
Sunday 25th January 1942
Milder.
Captain Hewitt’s car stuck on drive. Out with dogs; snow melting and ice still on ground. Wrote Phil, with Emmett’s Punch drawing. Knitted sock. “Hobson’s Choice” play at 3.30. “Waltzing Matilda”. Talk on Australian settlers. 154 years ago. Samson Agonistes, Abraham Harcourt, William Cecil.
Monday 26th January 1942
Snowing all day.
Very, very cold. Wrote Doz and Alys. Feeding bird a lot. To collect rents and 1d Red Cross – Hodgson and Gell. Then to post Eve’s jersey and Odette’s file. Rent to Pickin. Pye battery ran out.
Tuesday 27th January 1942
Heavy snow in p.m.
Hunter’s order. Talked George in hothouse. Goldfish well. Stanwix came. Wrote Mr Booth telling roads too snowy to meet him 29th. Wrote accepting sum (Atkinson’s estimate) for corner’s gate. To Road End and then garden with dogs. Fresh snow. Wind. Brains Trust, Churchill debate in House of Commons.
Wednesday 28th January 1942
Sunny. Snow and ice still.
Out to hens and bees. 1 hive flying. I was stung inside boot! Closed hives. Washed out all syrup feeders; it took 4 hours, till all done. Captain Jones in. My cold nearly gone, but irritation on back bad. Mrs Hird cleaned pantry and bathrooms. Churchill Vote of Confidence debate.
Germans re-take Benghazi 30th.
Thursday 29th January 1942
Sleety snow. Dark. Better at 5.
Sent cigarettes to Alys. Talk about Jim Latham and Zeus Wrote Alys and posted 10 Players with it. To Road End for sausages 1.15. To collect rent at Cliff’s and Red Cross, also O’Brien’s. Put 7 stamps on Blains and Bewley’s cards. Poor Zeus hungry again. Fed him. To ponds and ice with dogs. Mr Mash in for his wife’s call and in and out all evening (bad throat he had).
Friday 30th January 1942
Icy roads, snow all p.m. Thick.
Did laundry. Bus 11.45 to Richmond. Miss Holt too. Very icy road and path to Road End. To Banks. Then crowded bus back; got bread for Zeus. At 3.40 to Hill’s, Dimmock’s, Pringle’s, Blain’s for 1d, Red Cross. Mr Booth (Rev) to tea with me. His car got stuck on drive and he parked it in lane. Zeus killed and ate rabbit in garden. Very hungry. I fed him.
Saturday 31st January 1942
Rather dull. Snow thick on everything.
With Blain in car to Richmond. He drove. Very snowy. Got petrol and he to Food Office about cheese ration. To Post Office. About 2/- insurance stamps. Bought stuff for Eve’s skirt. Blain siphoned petrol out and in p.m. got 2 gallons more at Smallway’s with George’s coupons. Bewley’s to Darlington. Out to stoke hot-house stove at 8.30 with dogs. Moonlight on snow.
Memo:
30th Breakfast by daylight 1st time.
29th Blain got 2 gallons in car.
27th No Benzedrine – cold better
January 1st Pickin – 26th Feb 8 weeks.
31st wages
27th Alys’ return ticket ends.
Siege of Singapore begins 1st.
Sunday 1st February 1942
Thick snow.
Snow all night. Cut pattern and skirt fot Eve, also bodice and knickers. Russian radio play 3.30. “Distant Point”. Wrote Kitty. Machined and ironed Eve’s clothes. Lent officers Sunday Express. Captain Hewitt in evening, with paper. To bed 10.40.
Monday 2nd February 1942
Cold and snowy.
Snowed all night. Cleared steps of snow and ice to post. Wrote Norman for coal. Finished off Eve’s things, buttons, elastic in knickers. Out in snow with dogs. George shot pigeon again. Finished book. Last Will and Testament – Coles. (Pendexter, St Blaizey, Dr Tancred).
Tuesday 3rd February 1942
Cold a.m. Hard frost. Milder p.m.
9° in snow in night. Soldiers got lorry through drive, broke holly tree. Alys phoned. She and Phil coming here, Friday (Phil “tired”.) Boothy boy didn’t come. Too much snow. Out in wellingtons. Dusted and cleaned brasses. No post or newspapers. Thaw in p.m. Frost again in night.
Wednesday 4th February 1942
Dull.
Mrs Hird cleaned Phil’s room; we moved bedding, aired Phil’s mattress. Billiard room. Mrs Ward brought post, thro deep snow. Out to orchard hens and ferrets. George shot 5 pigeons. Zeus and Kimbo hungry. Fed them. Hot bottles in Alys’ bed. “Morning Star”. Emlyn Williams in evening. Good play, This War. Called on Barnes and Holt and Dimmock, Miss Peacock.
Thursday 5th February 1942
Sun and snow – cold.
To Barnes’ got black pudding and paid bill. Out with dogs. Snowing again. All p.m. cleaning sitting-room, pantry, lathe-room. Put honey-combs in ping-pong room. Washed vest and gloves – mangled. Mrs Mash rang up from Tonbridge Wells 8.10. Alys rang up from Ashridge 9.45 saying arriving 2.45. War Commentary Group Captain Helmore.
Friday 6th February 1942
Very dull. Very cold. Still.
Blain and George to Phil’s bed into billiard room. Gladys and I dusted and made bed. Cleaned pantry and dusted. Lunch 12.30 at 1.5 Mr Mash drove me in my car to Darlington. He 1.52. I bought oatmeal. Met Alys and Phil 2.45 (on 2.55 late). Phil drove us back. Roads better as thaw. Very icy going. Coffee. Phil on sofa. Supper – pigeons. Phil to bed in billiard room. Alys and I at 9.30 or 9.45.
Saturday 7th February 1942
Very cold and dull.
Phil stayed in bed all day. Cold pretty heavy. Fire there. Alys took wireless up. We all had tea and supper in billiard-room. Fetched sausages 4.15. Kipppers there. ½ eaten by cat. Took books and papers to Miss Peacock and called for 1d – O’Brien, Blain, Gell. Listened to European News at 11 p.m. Alys slept on floor, billiard room. Eva phoned.
Memo:
6th 2.45 Alys and Phil arrive Darlington.
3rd Mr Booth lunch
1st Bewley’s out.
Siege of Singapore very, very grave
Sunday 8th February 1942
Dull, cold.
Phil in bed all day, throat very sore, blocked nose. Put nuts on wire for him. Finished his socks (brown). Phil depressed. Alys and I in with him a lot. Gladys in, and cooked tiny fresh herrings for supper. We took “James” bed into billiard-room for Alys. Listened 11 p.m. news.
Monday 9th February 1942
Fine p.m. Thaw, frost night.
Mason Atkins in to do chimney. Phil in bed all day, throat sore, depressed. Alys to Richmond in p.m. for Emergency Ration. Paper salvage came. Took them to cottages. Got tea ready. We had it with Phil. He enjoyed pigeon supper. He played Attaque with Alys. We all did test for quick reading.
Tuesday 10th February 1942
Warmer. Snow p.m.
Phil worse; took M&B. Lit his fire. Out with dogs. Thawing. Fed goldfish. More snow in p.m. Alys wrote letters. Zeus hungry. Brains Trust 8.15. Eva phoned 8.55. Eve temperature and had doctor. Went in to Officers – gave them key for books.
Wednesday 11th February 1942
Fine. Sunny.
Lunch early. To Barnard Castle on 1.15 bus. Hunter’s and chemists. 2.10 bus return. Phil M&B but feeling a bit better. To Elgey’s, Hill, O’Brien for 1d Red Cross. Played Sledge Game and Things on billiard-table. Laughed. Alys phoned Eva and Eve better.
Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, Prinz Eugen came out – 40 of our planes down, 16 their’s.
Thursday 12th February 1942
Dull. Thaw, ice under.
Phil better. R.A.M.C. in for exercises. Arcade. Did up wooden puff-puff and carriages for Eva. I sent off by post0van. Sausage not on 1.15 but 4.15. George fetched. Nicholas Nickleby 5.20. D. Brown phoned. Mr Mash in for his wife’s phone call. Bath. Water cool. War Commentary: Collins.
Friday 13th February 1942
Fine day. Cold.
(Water cold again) Alys’ boil bad. Did laundry. Washed pantry. Kim’s messes. Blain to Jackson’s about tyres and wireless – Beethoven. Phil in bed all day, but better. Alys put hot fomentation on boil. D. Brown took me to tea there. Warships week talk and brought me back. I to Blain’s to talk about it.
Saturday 14th February 1942
Fairly sunny.
Phil in hut at 12.30. Sunny. Cleaning and lighting fire before. Phil stayed in hut till tea time, there. We all had tea together in sitting-room. In billiard room in evening. Phil to bed after tea. Fetched sausages 4.15. Took to Blain.
Memo:
9th Soaps rationed.
11th drawing books to Eve
14th Wages
9th Pye battery?
Singapore surrendered to Japanese.
Sunday 15th February 1942
Cold. Some sun.
Phil in hut 11.30 and Blain sat and long talk. I to orchard. Swastikas in arcade. Phil in sitting-room to dinner, out hut for p.m. and in to tea. To post. Zeus got meal. George took him up to Jim’s. Mr Churchill broadcast; news Fall of Singapore.
Monday 16th February 1942
Fineish. Cold.
Phil out for walk round garden and orchard and fields with me and dogs. Hard, crusty snow. He cleared pond overflow. In hut in p.m. I laid fire. All in billiard-room after supper. All supper sitting-room, celery and eggs with cheese sauce.
Tuesday 17th February 1942
Dull. Cold.
Message from Aunt Bella. Phil drove Alys and me to Richmond. His hair cut. Got petrol ration book. They kept car book. To call on Elgey’s, Barnes, Gell in p.m. about Warships Week. Phil in hut. Laid and lighted his fire. Irritation very bad. Aly’s boil coming out well. Phil doing it. Billiard room all evening.
Wednesday 18th February 1942
Dull. Cold.
(Eva bad cold). Mrs Hird cleaned sitting-room, bathroom. Phil in hut in p.m. Officers in a lot to telephone. At 6.45 Blain took Newley’s, Ireland in my car and I in D. Brown’s to East Layton Meeting on Warships Week. Back at 8.45. Supper by fire in billiard-room.
Thursday 19th February 1942
Fine. Sun in p.m. Very cold.
Phil in hut and walk Blain to meet Mr Booth 11.20 Scotch Corner. Mr Booth to lunch with us at 1. He had been to Fox Hall and after Blain drove me (and Mr Booth) to White House Farm. I to see Miss Green about Warships Week. Road (Collier’s) just dug out of deep snow. Mr Booth tea and off at 4.
Friday 20th February 1942
Snow. Cold.
Alys and Phil to Jackson’s for new lamp masks, repair outfit and to Watson for petrol (2 gallons Teddy, 2 gallons mine). I to O’Brien, Dimmock and Holt for Red Cross and talk about Warships Week. Lost my bag. Phil very cold all day. 11 European News. Not in hut. D. Brown brought posters. Captain Bell in to phone. Zeus hungry all day.
Saturday 21st February 1942
Snow. Cold.
To Blain’s for Red Cross. Wrote Kit and Chris about Quit’s death. Captain Hewett and Mr Mash to tea and stayed till nearly 7. Rubber burning smell in passage. No sausages came. I felt coldy and took rhinitis.
Memo
20th European News – Brittain and Alvar Harris
Thick snow and ice everywhere all week.
16th Message from Aunt Bella
Red Cross Novemeber 24th
21st Rent. Pringle.
Sunday 22nd February 1942
Snow. Very cold.
More snow. Sun. Cold better. Judging school posters for Warships Week. Out to orchard. Phil in hut in p.m. Laid his fire. Doing poster prize. Cold got worse so Phil supper upstairs and I stayed down till 10. Out with dogs in snow 8.45.
Monday 23rd February 1942
Slight thaw. Finer.
Alys and Phil to Darlington to Badcock and lunch there. I did Phil’s fire; wrote notice about film. D. Brown came for posters. Captain Hewett away on leave. To Hodgson’s, Gell’s and Blain’s. Rents – Red Cross. Phil in hut in p.m. and he and Alys tea upstairs, as my cold still there.
Tuesday 24th February 1942
Brilliant sun. Snow a.m.
Hives closed. Zeus ear bad. Miss Brown came about posters. Phil out in garden. Like Switzerland! Got weed for goldfish tank. Spitfires lighted up by reflection on snow. Alys to Richmond by 2.45 bus, back 4.15. I sent postcards about Film Display. Got tea ready. Had lunch and tea in pantry. Phil to reservoir with dogs.
Wednesday 25th February 1942
Perfect.
Opened secret cupboard. Out to orchard and cleared icy snow from front of beehives. Phil in hut. He shot rabbit in garden. I had lunch and tea in pantry to keep away from Phil as still coldy. Supper 7 and with Blain’s and George to East Layton in car 7.30 – 9. Committee Meeting with Mr Elinor to arrange about Warships Week and group.
Thursday 26th February 1942
Fine. Cold.
Alys and Phil to Newcastle 10.15 arrived 11.35. To Dr Dickinson for refill. I did 2 Notices about Warships Week, Whist-drive and social. Alys and Phil back at 3.40. We had tea. I in pantry. Alys and I to Layton Fields (Anderson’s) and New House (Pinkney’s) about film postponed and Savings Groups. Wrote Doz and Yorkshire Post (lambskins) in evening.
Friday 27th February 1942
20° frost but thaw by p.m.
Alys to Richmond in car to Banks. Phil in hut, 12 dressed. Got hot-bottles. Did laundry. Phil in to dinner with us and then to bed. I out to Dimmock’s, Holt’s, for Red Cross. Miss Peacock brought books. Phil 101°. Ate no supper (but good tea in bed). Mr Elinor came and we had a committee! Colonel Brazier rang up. Phil better and read Punch aloud.
Saturday 28th February 1942
Warmer, dull, thaw.
Phil only kia-ora and Brand’s Essence breakfast. Felt ill still. Alys to get petrol in p.m. Watson’s. I with Phil and wrote Dennis about Lancers; Then I to Hodgson’s and Barne’s “canvassing”. Mrs Barnes offered fruit cake and pickled onions to be raffled. To meet sausages 4.15. Posted Teddy’s coat and trousers 4.45. Phil better in evening. Wireless, Jean de Casalis in billiard room.
Memo:
26th 7.30 Cinema. East Layton
25th Meeting 7.30 Warships Week Committee arrange
23rd Rents
Pye battery 23rd
Picken 26th
24th Hives closed, sun bright, snow thick on ground.
Wages 23rd
Invasion of Java begins. Rangoon “grave”. We bombed Renault works, Paris.
Sunday 1st March 1942
Rainy, thaw, dull.
Phil in bed all day, but ate meals. 99°. Mash in phoning. P. Ryan under arrest. Wrote Pickin, Mr Booth. To orchard. Picked up wet sticks. With dogs in garden. Brazier’s had paid but couldn’t come! Gladys “out”. Alys got supper. Kippers. All tea in Phil’s room. Water thro’ ceiling in hall. L’Attaque in evening.
Monday 2nd March 1942
Dull. Just above freezing.
Phil in bed all day (breathless), but had bath. Measured curtain for arcade, staples. I sewed tuck. Atkinson here, about estimates, wall damage. Hall ceiling still dripping. Very slow thaw. Had to feed Zeus again. Tea in Phil’s room. Picked up firewood. Good soup: celery cheese sauce. L’Attaque. Chose French names.
Tuesday 3rd March 1942
Foggy. Cool. Thaw.
Up with Zeus 6.35 a.m. Lighted Phil’s fire. Did Dance Notices. Phil up and in lathe room. Paper Salvage called. Took the round. In car to Barne’s at 2.10 for Savings Group. Eric, Noel and Frank and cake and onions for raffle and tin of petrol. Blain in car to Pinkney’s. I to Mrs Elgey’s about table dominoes. Phil down to all meals after breakfast. All upstairs for Brains Trust. Very good.
Wednesday 4th March 1942
Showers all day.
Blain and Bewley’s and Hird cleaning and putting dust-board. Soldiers and baths. Query for M. Mash. Can they come. Phil doing tiny lead ships. Rested in hut. I to Mrs O’Brien’s. Ping-pong room washed. Blain’s, Bewley’s to Whist Drive, East Layton. Alys and Hodgson’s with eggs. Phil reading his old entrance exam papers to us. Target 660.
Thursday 5th March 1942
Snow all day.
Busy preparing rooms, tables and chairs for evening. Phil out in snow and to hut. At 7.30 about 55 people came to our “Social”. Ping-pong. Darts, Dominoes, and an Auction by Blain and raffles of cake, pickled onions and honey. Over £7.0.0 plus entrances £2.19.0. Over at about 11.50! Mr Mash splendid. Phil and all to bed at 11.30.
Friday 6th March 1942
Snow and frost.
Snowed day and night. Very deep. Did laundry. Chairs back. Blain took Peggy in car to Scotch Corner. Eunice in about black wool stockings and we out with dogs on snow. Alys writing to D.C.R.E. about electric light. Phil rigging sailing-boat. To Holt, Dimmock and Gell for 1d Red Cross. To post and Hill (out). Phil to bed 9. Knitted.
Saturday 7th March 1942
Cold. Bees got out a bit on snow.
Alys and I to Richmond. Bread points, bank. End of Warships Week. Blain to Mr Elenor in car at 2.30 to close accounts. Bewley’s out. Looked after stove. Phil’s fire. Phil busy on boat and electric engine for Warner’s. Alys fetched Pye battery. I to Blain’s and Hill’s – Red Cross 1d.
Memo:
5th We made £7.2.6 by Rafffles, teas, Auction. And £2.19 by entraces. £2 given in prizes. Warship Week Total – East and West Layton £18.02.4
2nd Pickin cheque.
4th Whist Drive East Layton
5th Social with darts, dominoes, ping-pong.
Sunday 8th March 1942
Big thaw.
Phil in top room and hut. Out to feed hens. Slushy. Mr Mash to dinner. Called away by Bateman (Brushes “Star”). Water running through from roof. Phil busy with electric gadget for Dennis and painting boat. I gathered fire kindling. All in billiard room at 9. Fire lighted at 8. Finished “There has been a Murder”.
Monday 9th March 1942
Dull, mild.
16/- Atkinson for roof. Alys and Phil and I to Darlington; presents for Eve’s 2nd birthday. In p.m. doing grate in billiard room and listening European News 2.30 – 3.30. Sewed shoe trimming, stuck soles on. Out gathering firewood and put snowdrops and aconites in blue bowl.
Tuesday 10th March 1942
Perfect day.
Alys and I to Barnard Castle in car. Hunter’s. Did up James’ “clock” and lines; and prunes and chocolate biscuits and sent off both parcels by 4.40 mail. Water dripping through everywhere. Phil in hut, and doing boat. Bees getting out though doors shut. Snow on ground. Phil upstairs 9.30. Alys tried to phone Eva.
Wednesday 11th March 1942
Fine a.m. Dull later.
Phil’s lathe engine wrong, he and Blain doing it. Mrs Hird did hall carpet and sitting-roo. Phil and I did fireplace stand thing – screws and jet glaze. I to Meeting Warships Week 7.45 with Blain and George in car. Mr Elenor. Back before 9 (to Barne’s with certificates for petrol). Watered vines with George in p.m.
Thursday 12th March 1942
Some snow. Very cold.
R.A.M.C. (Royal Army Medical Corp) unit in for exercises 10 till 2.30. I wrote Doz and Teddy (petrol – basic ration to go). Blain doing engine in lathe room. Mended Phil’s stockings, and my glove. Alys feared new boil – hot foment. Alys rang up Eva about Eva’s gas-mask. Listened to European News 11 p.m.
Friday 13th March 1942
Cold. Very slight sun.
Captain Hewett left for Worksop. Jet-glazed shoes. Wrote Dennis for his birthday. To Holt and Dimmock and Blain’s for Red Cross. After tea, walked to Quarry with Phil and round it 300 paces. In garden with dogs. Tried new firelighter. Listened 11 p.m news.
Saturday 14th March 1942
Thaw all day. Some sun in p.m.
Alys and I to Richmond all a.m. Took Miss Hodgson in. Phil’s emergency rations. Bewley’s out. Stove out. Mr Mash in to tea. Phil helped him with his aerial. No hot water for bath. Read bit about Boy Sawyer from Pickwick aloud.
Memo:
10th Brains Trust – Frost at night 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th – 10°.
13th Pye battery
Sunday 15th March 1942
Perfect a.m. Rain 5 p.m.
Forced Rhubarb. Very sunny and mild. Gathered pruned boughs. Phil on seat in garden rubbing nails. In p.m. we let bees out, 1st time, though still snowy. Phil gave candy and cleaned out dead bees and put dry cushions. Rain after tea. Pig-keeping discussed.
Monday 16th March 1942
Slight thaw.
Blain doing electric engine with soldiers. Out to orchard. Phil out with dogs. Wrote D.C.R.E. Catterick for Alys about Electric Supply. Water through roofs, and ceilings. Put rubber soles on Phil’s lambskin boots. Engine just ready by 7.10. Blackout. Phil to bed 9.15.
Tuesday 17th March 1942
Fine. Mild.
Sorting old books – top room with Phil. Paper Salvage called. Cleaned Phil’’s zip coat from bee-messes. Mrs Hird came. Visited Mrs Barnes, Dimmock and Holt. Red Cross 1d and Savings Group. Back with change to Barnes and she gave us bacon! Beehives and crates with Phil and Alys 4.45 til 7.25. Brains Trust. No fire in billiard room.
Wednesday 18th March 1942
Fine. Mild.
Blain took up hall carpet (upper) – soaked. Cleared bedroom a bit. And cleaned out Bee Cupboard, and washed shelves and stone floor of arcade there. After tea, to Hill’s and Holt’s and Hodgson’s (Savings Group – 1st 2), O’Brien too.
Thursday 19th March 1942
Dark, damp, cold.
Unpicked bee-gloves for use for coal. Clean sheets. Not out except taking Zeus to cookhouse: dogs barked at lorries. Laid fire, listened 2.30 News. Europe. Mr Mash and Mr? in to phone at teatime and had tea talk about France 1940 where he was. To orchard. Blain’s fencing for pigs. Ferraby War Commentary.
Friday 20th March 1942
Foggy. Cold.
Blain in (about Peggy and letter). Alys and I to Darlington. I to Badcock. Front tooth patched. Bought lambswool at Binn’s. Alys in Q for herrings, chocolate. Did bee things off table and painted. Weighing machine and splash over sink. Alys and Phil to warehouse. Out with dogs. Phil turned on waterfall. Phil to bed at 8.15. Had his boat for James finished.
Saturday 21st March 1942
Fine. Mild.
Alys and I to Richmond; chocolate and fish. Bewley’s out. Alys to collect rents – Hodgson’s and Pringle’s. Blain to Catterick to see Manager of Hotel about Peggy. Electric light weak. Phil and Ken to engine house. Ken and Arnold moved 8 hens over here. Eva phoned about James’ quarantine for scarlet fever; should Eve come here? Alys phoned her again.
Memo:
18th Explosion at 9.30 a.m.??
Eve 2 years old on 18th
Bees let out 15th – 1st time this year, though still snowing
Pye 21st
20th 11.30 Badcock
Sunday 22nd March 1942
Dull a.m. Fine later. Cool.
Broke vase and bowl and mended them with Durofix. Also asbestos strip. Mr Mash in to dinner, very late. Worried about Major Bardsley’s inspection. No poultry out, as moved from orchard. Round garden a.m. and p.m. Alys wrote Kitty. Are you sure and letters from Eva. James here query.
Monday 23rd March 1942
Perfect day.
Out feeding all hens together. Wrote Eva. Washed things. Alys sat in sun in p.m. I sun-bathed, on Phil’s prescription for irritation. Phil and I clipped lonicera hedge. Tidied up in garden a little. Bewley’s to Blain’s in evening. “Mussolini”, Way of a Dictator.
Tuesday 24th March 1942
Perfect day.
Alys to Richmond taking Mash on leave. I washed clothes, Zip. George and Blain to Hartforth for tomato plants and chrysanthemum. I to Barnes with 2lb pot honey and Dimmock, Baker, Holt, Gell, Hill for Savings Group. O’Brien out. Bewley’s. Brains Trust. Tea in garden and sun bathed 20°.
Wednesday 25th March 1942
Dull a.m. Perfect p.m.
Cleaned out bee-drawer. Mrs Hird washed hall carpet. Alys talked to George about Robbie coming. Sun-bathed in p.m. Cleared up gooseberry bush, pruning. Phil and I finished lonicera clipping. Tea in garden again. Listened in plays, Leon M. Lion in evening.
Thursday 26th March 1942
Dulll. Cool.
Alys to Richmond with Dawson’s pump. Wrote Doz about P.W. Steer’s death. Opened Red Cross box – 13/8 .Cleared up gooseberry prunings before and after tea. Alys and Phil to Jackson’s – he out. Alys phoned Dennis and he rang her at 8.30 about skin specialist for me. Appointment with Mr Sidney Thompson.
Friday 27th March 1942
Cold. Dull.
Alys and I to Darlington. I to Badcock’s 10.30. Front tooth patched (right one). On to Newcastle. Lunch at Tilley’s 12.30. Shopped Fenwick’s. To Dr Sidney Thompson, 19 Windsor Terrace about my dermatitis – £2.2.0. Also he opened poisoned spot on Alys’ hand. Drove back and hom 4.30. Tea. Phil fees he has fluid. Crosswords. Telegraph all evening.
Saturday 28th March 1942
Dull. Cold.
I to Richmond, Bank, Spence’s for asbestos. Took Barnes’ hind in. Alys’ hand swelling more. Bewley;s out early. I did washing up as Alys couldn’t. Did a little gardening, clearing off leaves from tulips. Phil still feeling fluid. Went up to see his boats, new painted.
Memo:
27th Badcock 10.30.
Sidney Thompson 2.15. Left 3.10.
24th Glady’s Bewley’s birthday.
Rain on St Nazaire – Dock gate destroyed.
Offer to India – Stafford Cripps there.
Sunday 29th March 1942
Dull. Coolish.
Alys’ hand very swollen. Tried to pot crocuses (too long); put squills instead. Housework and Zeus didn’t eat anything all day! Drove Alys to Dr Woodsend’s after tea. He opened spot on hand again. Drove home. In garden. Washed up. Alys’ arm in sling.
Monday 30th March 1942
Dull.Coolish.
Alys and Phil to Dr Fothergill’s for x-ray of Phil’s chest. Trace of fluid. Housework. Darned stockings. Alys and I brought lino from warehouse and Blain too for hall. Alys phoned Dennis at 12.30 about Phil and her hand and boil(?) She phoned Dr Woodsend at 8.30. I cut raspberry weeds from rhododendron. Phil wrote to Dr Chandler.
Tuesday 31st March 1942
Mild, dullish.
Alys down to breakfast but to bed after and all day (sleeping and aspirin). Mash back and to breakfast here 10.30. Phil and I to Barnard Castle about wireless (Wood) and Hunter. Bin for Waste Paper fixed. Men came for it. Blain to Richmond for Phil’s Emergency Ration. Phil wrote Dennis and phoned Dr Woodsend (W. called up). Brains Trust.
Wednesday 1st April 1942
Windy. Mild.
Gladys helped take up trays. Alys and Phil’s. Alys in her bed all day. Dr Woodsend came 12.40. Hand betterl no temperature. Mrs Hird all day. In p.m. I to Gell, Barnes, Holt, Dimmock, Hill with Savings Group Stamps and Red Cross box. Alys temperature 99.2° at 4. Pigs arrived at 7.30. Phil and I out to see them in orchard. Ireland brought them. Billiards. Fire went out.
Thursday 2nd April 1942
Perfect day.
Alys in bed all day. Temperature 98.8° p.m. Mrs Hird for 2 hours. Blain in about pig swill for Zeus and Savings Group. Put Phil’s hut things in sun. He outside. Phil showed Mash peach-house (in bloom). I sunbathed but Mash needed to see the requisition papers, so down. Alys wrote Dennis and Eva. Phil wrote Eva. I with Phil to see pigs. Zeus too. No fire in evening. Group Captain Helmore War Commentary. Crossword Yorkshire Post.
Friday 3rd April 1942
Dull. Cold. Damp.
Alys in bed all day 98.8°. Hand still painful. Aspirin. Mrs Hird came. Zeus had meal at 2 from Blain. Did bedrooms. In p.m. Alys wrote Dennis and Keith. Laundry in a.m. Phil in hut, very cold. With him to see pigs at 5.15. Yorkshire Post crossword puzzle (no paper today).
Saturday 4th April 1942
Fine a.m. Dull. Showery later.
Alys in bed all day but normal at 6. Norah Ireland’s Wedding Day. Camellia and potted Scylla and card sent in my car. Phil and I to Richmond a.m. for my prescription. Took olive oil to Clarkson. Bewley’s fetched ointment in p.m. They to Ireland’s later. Kept stove up. Phil working on his engine. Put clocks on, for Double Summer Time.
Memo:
2nd Letter copy of George Buchanan’s about being taken prisoner in Libya and escaping in truck
2nd Phil heard from Chandler. Good.
4th Irritation better! Very bad all last 2 months
Brains Trust
India conferences go on.
Sunday 5th April 1942
Fineish.
Breakfast 9.30 – double summer time. Ays in bed all day. Temperature 99° at 6. Abscess still oozing at 3 or 4 heads. Housework, hot bottles. Alys keen on crosswords. She and Phil finished Yorkshire Post one. Posted letters – Dennis and Mr Booth and Eva from Alys (Paddotel too). In garden with hoe after tea, by aquilegias (my seedlings). “Are you sure” in evening. No fire. Blackout 9.14. Kimmins P.S.
Monday 6th April 1942
Dull. Windy. Mild.
Alys in bed all day. Phil dressed her hand twice. Temperature 98.9°. Housework. Wrote Albert Hall and King Hall with cheques. Phil working on engine and in hut. Very windy. In garden with dogs after tea. Bewley’s to Blain’s in evening. We did crossword (my dermatitis much better). Phil rang up Woodsend about Alys.
Tuesday 7th April 1942
Windy. Showery.
Mrs Hird came. Mash worried as no letters. I to Barnes, Dimmock, Holt – Savings Group. Alys had Gladys up to talk in p.m. Alys still 98.8° afternoon but came down at 7 and supper on sofa. Phil moving very slowly. Fluid. Brains Trust 815. Good commentary. Campbell getting married. Crossword after.
Wednesday 8th April 1942
Fine. Windy.
Mrs Hird and Blain put carpet down in hall. Alys down to dinner on sofa, up again for rest, and down to tea and supper on sofa. Alys wrote Doz. I to Mrs Gell, Mrs Hill and Mrs O’Brien (gave soap) – Savings Group. Phil put fish in the ponds from greenhouse. 1 goldfish in island pond, 2 brown fish in Phil’s pond. Crossword in evening.
Fall of Bataan forces – exhausted.
Thursday 9th April 1942
Thundery showers. Sunny intervals.
Phil up and mended Dr Warner’s light and sent off again by Mrs Hird. Alys up about 11 and about, at desk, laying table. Wrote for engine oil in p.m. She rested 3 – 4.15. Phil at lathe a lot. Alys, Phil and I to orchard at 5 to see pigs (Alys’ first outing). I took leaves out of pond. War Commentary by General Sir Clive. Very dull and poor.
Friday 10th April 1942
Warm. Perfect. Windy
Alys sick and diarrhoea from 5 a.m and on all day. In her bedroom. Phil got Blain and Atkinson to look for water pipe to hot house. Did up pram cover and sent to Eva by Gladys, who to Richmond, to take camellias to Beckwith. Phil gave Alys 20 drops chloradyne at 7.30. Moved my bed to Phil’s room to be near Alys. Crossword with Phil in evening.
Saturday 11th April 1942
Alys in bed all day and took nothing but water. Dr Woodsend came (not asked). Bewley’s to Rainton (bus from East Layton at 1.30). Out to see pigs fed with Ken, Mrs Blain and Rona. No sausages came, either bus. Shut hot-house lights 7. Cooked scrambled eggs. Kept stove going. Slept again in Phil’s room.
Memo:
4th – 5th Double Summer Time – clocks put forward began.
8th Alys normal temperature
Indians reject offer. Cripps comes back.
Sunday 12th April 1942
Fine. Windy.
Alys in bed all day; Brand’s Essence and toast at tea time. Phil made bonfire of hedge clippings. I helped. Gladys out. Noel and Hill boy said pigs were in field. Went out. Fire out in sitting room. Lighted it twice. Opened pilchards for supper. “Are you sure: in Alys’ room.
Monday 13th April 1942
Fine.
Alys porridge; in bed all day. Poached egg at 1. Phil wrote cheques and wages books sent to Clark. He sailed his boat (just finished, Captain Jones began) on his pond. Very short rest and again pond after tea, clearing weed. Alys had bread and milk supper and in billiard room 8.30. No wireless. Crossword.
Tuesday 14th April 1942
Perfect.
Blain trying mend Pye. High tension. Phoned Jackson. Phil didn’t rest before lunch. Alys bath and down to dinner 1. In hut and then on bed. I to Barnes’ and Holt, Dimmock and Hill – Savings Group. Phil cycled to get fish from Road End. Out rock garden. Brains Trust (to world. Phil had got H.T. battery from Jackson at 3.30. Budget cigarettes and beer up. 10 cigs for 1/- (used to be 9d).
Wednesday 15th April 1942
Perfect.
Alys up at 10.30 and she, Phil and I to Richmond in car. Phil hair cut. In p.m. did bedrooms and read paper and in rock garden after tea. Paxton and Atkinson doing water systems for greenhouses; to reservoir. I to Mrs Gell and the Hodgson’s. Mr Hodgson well, after 6 weeks illness. Phil to the Blain’s after supper. Alys slept in billiard room again. Much better. Water cold. Heard bombs, sirens, guns 11.35 till 1 a.m.
Thursday 16th April 1942
Perfect.
Helped Phil do bee frames. Wore cotton blouse 1st time. Alys up at 10, or so and working. I changed my bed back to my room. In garden, in p.m. sunbath in Alys old bedroom. Alys rested on grass by lonicera hedge. Phil fetched brawn on cycle at 1.15. Sunbath in Alys’ old room. Took dogs to see pigs. Very good. Finished green hair net. War Commentary by Admiral Ragnar Colvin. Crossword.
Friday 17th April 1942
Perfect. Cold wind.
Alys up to breakfast and settled meals and about all day as usual. I in garden often. Washed mark on zip coat, and garden hat. Sunbath. Phil put brass tap on in greenhouse; and after tea did bees, with Blain. Put risers on with prepared frames in. Alys rested on lawn and I cleaning watercress pond and string mended vest. News and Crossword in billiard room. No fire.
Saturday 18th April 1942
Perfect.
Wrote Eva. In garden, by pond and hoeing rosebed. Bewley’s to Darlington to meet Robbie. Dinner 12.30. Phil making riser in top room. Also mended pump in hot-house. Helped him, after tea. Alys to see pigs fed. I 3 times cycled to Road end for sausages, but none came. Hoed in drive. Robbie (Bob) Bewley came. News in billiard-room.
Memo:
15th 40 peopled killed 400 homeless Middlesbrough. O’Brien told me.
14th 16 people killed in Air Raid, North East coast.
14th Paper salvage
18th Rents.
Heavy Raids on Lübeck and on Rostock; port sending supplies against Russia. Exeter bombed.
Sunday 19th April 1942
Dull. Mild.
Put Forget me knots on Debby’s grave. Did some hoeing of drive border. Down by pond with Phi. Hoed rose bed. At 3.30 Phil and I listened in to Henry V (Laurence Olivier) in billiard room. Alys brought us up coffee and sandwiches! Alys scratched pigs. Pork and chocolate crème for dinner. Tongue for supper and eggs! (pre war meals!) Listened in to Abraham and Isaac – Thorndike, L. Housman.
Monday 20th April 1942
Dull. Damp.
Did some hoeing on drive. Wrote to Doz and sent forms for BBC Play Panel. Alys to Hodgson’s and Gill’s for rents. I in garden a lot after tea. Hoed rose bed. Took dogs to pigs. Hoed strawberry bed and drive. “Are you sure” in evening.
Tuesday 21st April 1942
Warm. Fair.
Mr Mash in. Out 10.30 or so picking polyanthus and daffodils and kingcups for Morell, till 1 o’clock. 23 dozen daffodils. In p.m. to Binne’s, Holt’s, Gell’s, Dimmock – Savings Group. Phil and Blain put brood frames in hives. Ken mowed lawns. Alys packing. Brains Trust (Eva Taylor – geographist), Professor Julian Huxley back. Burgin.
Wednesday 22nd April 1942
Warm. Fine.
Breakfast 7.30. All to Darlington. Alys and Phil off 9.50 (to King’s Cross). To shops; got 2 pairs shoes at M&S. To Brydon and about tyres. Back 11.30. Mrs Hird cleaned Aly’s room. I to Hill’s. S.G hoed drive and rose-bed till late (9 p.m.) news in billiard room. Netted black wool hair net.
Thursday 23rd April 1942
Dull and very cold.
Washed my hair. Mrs Hird did floor of billiard room. Housework. Did some Income Tax reclaim work. Picked flowers. At 7.30 to Darlington in car. Left plate at Badcock’s. At 8.45 (9 p.m.) arrived Dennis, Alys and Phil from London. Phil drove home. Eggs and cocoa supper.
Friday 24th April 1942
Dull and very cold.
Laundry. Housework. Phil up about 10. Did some drive border. Alys, Phil and Dennis out in garden. Phil rested in his hut in p.m. Dennis in Eva’s room. Alys and I in sitting room. Fire in billiard room at 7 and all up there after supper for News.
Saturday 25th April 1942
Fine. Cold wind.
Phil down to breakfast in dressing gown. Alys and I to Richmond all a.m. Sent crate to Gale (bee things) from station. Bewley’s out. Looked after stove. Did fire in billiard room. Mash to tea. In garden hoeing strawberry beds, and weeding asparagus bed. Upstairs for news and electric stove on. Alys rubbed Dennis’ neck. Crossword.
Memo:
Garden book over £7 (160 dozen daffodils)
Wages 25th
23rd Pickin 5.12.0.
Chandler 23rd
Bath and York bombed and Norwich twice. 1st Bombs near Darlington. 11 planes down in all.
Sunday 26th April 1942
Sun. East wind.
Housework. Beds, fire. Dennis’ neck still painful. On rock garden with him and all round. We cut asparagus. Wrote Kitty in p.m. To post, and after tea again. In garden and tidied wild strawberries and hoed new strawberry bed. Alys cooked asparagus. Ireland girls and new husband to the Bewley’s here. “Are you sure”.
Monday 27th April 1942
Fine, warmer, windy.
Out early hoeing strawberry beds. Dennis and Phil walked to reservoir. Wrote Pickin and Income Tax Reclaim in p.m. After tea, Dennis, Alys and Phil in car to pond to sail boats. (One Phil made.) Alys to Ravensworth in p.m. hoeing strawberries again till 7. Picked polyanthus to sell. News. Read Sunday Express and Yorkshire Post.
Tuesday 28th April 1942
Sun. East Wind.
Out 10.15 cutting daffodils and bunched polyanthus and forget-me-nots, double kingcups – 21 daffodils of different kinds. Alys and Dennis to Richmond; Dennis’ hair cut. In p.m. to Barnes’, Dimmock’s, Gell’s, Hill for Savings Group. In garden with Dennis after tea. Brains Trust. Very good. Eminent physician
Wednesday 29th April 1942
Fine. East wind.
Out on rock garden with Dennis. He in pond. Washed bis of zip coat. Soldiers in all p.m. Ping pong room. Taffy Jones called in a.m. Sewed sail of “Philbilly”. Finished black hair net. All of us in car to pond – sailed 2 boats. Exciting. Lovely. Pinned elastic belt on zip coat. Roosevelt’s Fireside Talk at 10 (Alys gave 15 soldiers tea).
Thursday 30th April 1942
Fine and warm.
Mrs Hird cleaned my room. I out hoeing strawberry beds. Phil put brood frames by pond for bees to clean out. Alys and I to Ireland’s to pay for pigs – 30/- each. Nora showed us her wedding presents. Gave 1lb honey (not as wedding). Dennis and Phil to call on Brown’s. Alys and I cut asparagus and daffodils. Dennis planted things from Dunsa Bank. Crossword and Group Captain Helmore.
Friday 1st May 1942
Dull early. Fine and warm later.
Mrs Hird’s last day here. Did laundry. Phil and I planted bee plants, Dunsa Bank. Read paper, laid fire and after tea, hoed strawberry bed. Phil making bee-hive in top room. Dennis put in geranium plants from Dunsa (whites). News. Crossword. Tea outdoors.
Saturday 2nd May 1942
Fine. Hot. Breeze.
With Phil in car to Richmond. His hair cut. Queue for sausages and chocolate. Bobby Bewley stayed in and did stove. Rested on bed. Tea again outside, by house-keeper’s window. Mr Mash came to tea late. Hoed strawberry bed. Finished it (old one). Cut brambles. Let fire out in sitting-room. Had one in billiard room in evening as usual.
Memo:
26th – 1st asparagus cut. Dennis and I. Wrote Kitty.
Dennis wrote Kitty 30th.
28th Paper Salvage.
5th We land on Madagascar.
Sunday 3rd May 1942
Sunny. Cold wind.
Housework and wrote Pickin about room and blankets. Phil doing little old boat. In p.m. lighted fire (which out) and lai other. Alys made rock cakes and sandwiches. Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs Brazier to tea. In garden. Cold. Champagne at supper. 1 and ½ bottles. News. P.S. by Stafford Cripps (dull). “Are you sure”.
Monday 4th May 1942
Fine. Tea outdoors.
Housework and picked nettles (for veg). By pond. Dennis in pond in waders. Cleared up Queen Mary’s Island. Phil doing little old boat. Wrote for Driving License. Turned out old photos and got cardboard for salvage from our old bookcase. To see pheasants’ nest. Cut asparagus for supper. Phil had letter from Paul Davis on embarkation leave.
Tuesday 5th May 1942
Fine. Dull later.
All a.m. picking daffodils, narcissi and polyanthus for Morett. In p.m. picked nettles for supper. To Barnes’, Dimmock (john Edward Baker born 29th). Holt and Gell – Savings Group. All to orchard to see the pigs after tea. Bacon from Mrs Barnes and eggs and nettles. News and Indian Debate. Brains Trust.
Wednesday 6th May 1942
Fine, Gale.
Breakfast 7.45. In car 7.55 to Darlington. Dennis and Phil to King’s Cross 8.50. Alys and I shops and fetched 2 re-treaded tyres 30/- each. Alys had hair trim. Home. Lunch. Changed bed to Phil’s room. Watered plants and planted Mrs Brown’s forget-me-not and primulas. To O’Brien and Hill, Savings Group. Wrote British Sailors Society and for pig ration. Sewed.
We take Diego Suarez Port in Madagascar.
Naval action in Coral Sea, USA. Japs, Australia.
Thursday 7th May 1942
Dull and cold. Slight showers.
Most of day cleaning and mending Zeus’ basket. Captain Reese Jones called, and bought tomato plants. Finished zip coat, putting new elastic belt. Alys doing skirt alterations too. Dennis rang up at 1.15, about visit to Chandler. News and Talk about Strategy of Transport. Also Weeks’ Battle front news.
Friday 8th May 1942
Fine. Cold.
Did laundry. Not out. Mended Zeus’ basket again (he tore it in night). With Alys to the Barnes’. Took lettuces. Told of date of Social. Did up pram awning for Eva (and Ambrose Heath’s book). Alys took it to post. Picked asparagus. News and Indian round-table.
Saturday 9th May 1942
Fine. Cold.
Alys and I by 10.45 bus to Richmond shops. Ate sandwiches in garden shelter. 1.45 bus home. Mrs Dimmock and Keith. Alys made custard and a cake. I did brown skirt and mended grey one. Dick Cave ran up from Catterick. Closed glass-houses. Watered plants and planted others. Washed things. Ironed skirt at 10. Bewley’s to Stanwyx.
Memo:
Demolitions – 3 days not food, 5,000 all sorts.
Brazier O.C. Ship Duke of York at St Nazaire.
Some of his men on Lancastria “Wipe my glasses, will you. Damn bad show”.
1st Dennis leaves? And Phil. Wages
Heavy fighting in Kerch (Crimea)
Sunday 10th May 1942
Cold. Greyish.
Alys in car at 11.15 to meet Dick Cave (from Catterick). He here for day. I did some transplanting and gardening. Dick to quarry. Mash in. Alys and Dick to cowslip field. Dick helped clearing away and dried up meals. Listened-in to Churchill at 9 – 9.40. Dick away by 9.45 bus. Bewley’s out.
Monday 11th May 1942
Dull. Very cold.
Out to cut asparagus and walked to Dunsa Bank to give bundle to Brown’s. In p.m. did 4 notices for Social on May 22nd for Merchant Seamen. Out with Alys to Paper Salvage and pigs. Mason had begun wall (plum tree).
Tuesday 12th May 1942
Dull. Cold.
Wrote Doz; picked forget-me-nots and primulas for Morell. In p.m. Alys and I did letter for petrol (to send Dennis) and I to Barnes’, Gell, Dimmock, Baker (gave woolly coat), Holt, Elgey, O’Brien. Gave Dennis’s “quid” in certificates. In garden after tea and wrote Kit about Christina. Brains Trust. Mr Mash in and for News and talk till 10.
Wednesday 13th May 1942
Fine. Warmer.
Clearing up and weeding in rock garden. Alys cleaned her room. Both read by fire in p.m. and European News. Ho’ed new strawberry bed after tea. Atkinson doing wall. Sent letter about pig ration again. Mash in for News. His wife phoned. No bath. Stove out to save coke. Rents.
Russians advance on Kharkov.
Thursday 14th May 1942
Warm. Fine on whole.
Weeded coarse grass from primulas. In p.m. Alys and I to Richmond 2.45. Posted Teddy’s suit to Mr Berry. Alys had gas-mask changed for larger one. Home by 3.45 bus. Gardening after tea. Cut asparagus for supper (Alys too). Alys pruned nectarines. I hoed strawberry bed. Mash in for news and War Commentary by Ragnar Colvin. Good.
Friday 15th May 1942
Pleasant, not much sun.
Did some hoe-ing. Looked out things to give as prizes on 22nd. Took raffle books and currants to Barnes’. Ho’ed strawberries in p.m. Binks and girlfriend came. Mistook time and ½ late for tea. Mash in for news. To bed 11.5. No bath..
Saturday 16th May 1942
Fine. Warm.
Alys and I to Richmond in car. Took Mrs White home and Brian and luggage. Back 12.45. Lunch then. Bewley’s to Richmond. Dick Cave ‘phoned. We made bed in Eva’s room. Alys to Pringle’s for rent. Both of us to give Rona frocks (separately). Dick to tea and supper and night. Planted strawberries where missing. Mash in. Map put up in fireplace. Dick lit stove. Hot bath.
Memo:
Dick Cave 2/- in savings. Stamps to each child of West Layton. 3 Barnes, 3 Baker’s, 3 Blains, 1 O’Brien – 20/-
Rents.
Stove lit, out on 13th (hot water)
Sunday 17th May 1942
Fine.
In garden (strawberry bed) all a.m. Dick dug; he helped George with his motor-cycle too. Rested on bed and read The Jury, Gerald Bullett. Mr Mash bad time with Major Bardsley and convoy smash at Scotch Corner. In in a.m. and p.m. and at 8.30 till 11. Dick away by 9.45 bus. Mash sold us Captain Hewett’s wireless for £2.0.0. Accumulator month old. “Are you sure” with Mash.
Monday 18th May 1942
Mild. Dullish.
Did sugars. Cut asparagus for dinner. Wrote Dennis. Painted boxes – black and gold for 22nd. Alys for rents. Helped Blain with washers (rubber) for stove. Bolt broke off. Committee at 6.30 about “Social”. Blain and Blewleys in till 8. Mr Mash in to News and till 10.35.
Tuesday 19th May 1942
Fine.
Most of day doing notices for 22nd. 10/- note picture for Buried Treasure. Alys Wardle’s and Savory’s (for hall). I to Barnes’, Holt, Dimmock, Gell and after tea to O’Brien and Cliff (out). Mr Mash to supper. Brains Trust. News and “I’ve got your number”. D. Simpson called with Tang and butter!
Wednesday 20th May 1942
Mild. Some rain.
Did notices for 22nd “Ladies”. Mash in and out all day phoning. Nisson Hut key lost. He had tea with us. Gave new book (Bentley). Mended tablecloth and Zeus’ basket. Mr Mash finally left at 7 or so. Wilcox had breakdown and late in coming back for Bateman. Alys phoned Eva.
Thursday 21st May 1942
Dull, then fine.
Dick Cave wrote “Going away evidently abroad”. Busy all day preparing for our “Social” painting stakes for Buried Treasure. Getting sitting-room ready for dominos. Pegs on rope. Mrs Blain and Nora Ireland in to help. “Rosie” to clean, laundry. Alys and I to East Layton for crockery in car. To bed 11.25. Tired. Ken cut lawns.
Friday 22nd May 1942
Fine, mild.
Very busy all day preparing for “Do”. Alys took Rosie to help in p.m. in kitchen part. I to Barnes’, with Bob to fetch cakes and dominos. Boiled eggs at 6 in pantry. At 7.30 about 80 people came for Darts, dominoes, ping-pong, pegs, buried treasure, auction. Not over till about 12.30 or later.
Saturday 23rd May 1942
Dull, showers.
Tidied a little and added up receipts from “Social. Alys to Ireland’s with darts board and savory, dominos. I to meet sausages who didn’t come. To Barnes’ for tin and jug. Cut asparagus for supper. Mash came to pay for spade. George lighted stove. I had bath.
Memo:
For British Seamen’s Society.
Total receipts 22nd £20.0.0
18th Hunter
20th Mash left
23rd Cave’s?
22nd Our “DO”.
(wages)
Sunday 24th May 1942
Perfect.
Wrote to Agatha Shore (Anna at Bath) and to Lois. Alys wrote Doz, about “Looking for Trouble”. Read paper. Wrote to Captain Holmes about electricity bill (Mash’s letter). In garden weeding, after tea. Salad and bread and butter (Simpson’s) and cheese for supper.
Monday 25th May 1942
Rain. Cool.
Darned stockings. Picked gooseberries; and Arnold for Blain’s. Saw pigs fed. Weeded. Picked lilies of the valley after tea. Alys made scones and wrote Eva about Teddy’s leave. We made water-glass in foot bath.
Tuesday 26th May 1942
Changeable.
Alys and I to Ravensworth in car (and Mrs Blain) to Food Office at Meynell’s and I bought wool at Stanwix. Alys posted coatee to Mrs Mash. On to Brown’s with their dominos. Wrote Lieutenant Colonel Webb and sent £20 to British Sailors. To Barnes’ and Dimmock and Gell and later to O’Brien. Cleaned paint in W.C. and Alys cleaned in billiard room. Brains Trust and Cunningham.
Wednesday 27th May 1942
Showers. Sun.
Alys busy preparing for Phil. I washed things and painted windowsill in lower W.C. Phil phoned from London at 1; not coming as Chandler didn’t give him re-fill. Alys phoned Eva. Alys and I to East Layton, posted Phil’s dress shirts and collars and Dennis’ tyre-levers. To Theresa Richardson’s with prize and took crockery to Mrs Ward.
Thursday 28th May 1942
Fine wind and showers.
Busy all day, with Alys doing rooms, beds for Berry’s. Sent off cheque to Red Cross (Barclay’s Bank) of my 1d collectings. Wrote Ella. Alys cleaned milk in larder. I to fetch brawn at 3.30. To pigs (gave old apples). News and War Commentary. Helmore about R.A.F. and Prinz Eugen and Abyssinia mustard gas.
Friday 29th May 1942
Fine showers in p.m.
Cleaned bathroom. Cut asparagus and flowers in p.m. Coffee at 4.15. At 5.30 arrived Teddy, Eva, James and Eve and Marguerite in Austin 10 (2 seater!) – 237 miles from Hereford. Started 8 a.m. Tea. In garden. To pigs. Children bathed 7. Supper 8. To bed 10.30. Children slept together.
Saturday 30th May 1942
Perfect day.
In garden with Eve and James. Margaret helping in house and meals with children and took Eve in pram in p.m. I slept on bed in p.m. Alys in hut. Teddy and Eva on bed. Simpson’s rook-pie for supper. Picked gooseberries for tomorrow. Eva and Marguerite too. News – Gram Swing and The Bishop’s Dream play (Derby).
Memo:
25th picked first gooseberries
Saturday – James fetched Rona at 5.30 and very happy till 7 with his car.
Duct closed left 29th/30th.
28th Wrote Ella
24th Wrote Lois and Agatha
26th Paper salvage.
27th Phil comes?
29th Berry’s come.
Tank battle in Libya; critical.
1,000 aircraft over Cologne.
We lost 43.
Sunday 31st May 1942
Fine, windy.
Our own mushrooms at breakfast, 3rd time. Out tying up pyrethrums. Teddy to get petrol with James and Eva. He grinding valves of car all day. No tea. I rested on bed p.m. Out with James – rabbit-holes and Nissen huts and to watch Teddy. Pyrethrums and weeds again till 7.25. Marjorie Brown’s trout for supper. Are you sure.
Monday 1st June 1942
Dull, windy.
Alys, Eva, James and Eve and I to Richmond in my car. In p.m. I wrote Kit and also Form R.M.S. for petrol ration. Duct aching. Took aspirin after tea. Weeded a good bit. Teddy doing his ear all day. News and “Japanese want Asia”.
Tuesday 2nd June 1942
Fine. Warm.
Wrote Doz and Poz about Virginia Cowles’ book, also sent off application for petrol (evening). Weeded with James helping. To Barnes’, Baker, Gell, Holt and O’Brien. Slept on bed after tea! Bees swarmed. Teddy worked on car all day. Harwood and wife called. Brains Trust. Teddy talking to George.
Wednesday 3rd June 1942
Fine and hot.
Teddy in his car to Watson’s and Blain in mine. Left there for brakes re-lining. Teddy took us all to Barnard Castle. Safe sold £4.15.0. Got vitamin C. Rested all p.m. Very tired with heat and duct still blocked. In garden after tea, still very hot sun. Teddy doing his car brakes.
Heydrich shot by Czech. Died later. Over 200 killed afterwards. Every 7th a woman.
Thursday 4th June 1942
Perfect. Hot.
With children seeing chicks and the ferrets. To Mrs Dimmock for signature. With Eve out in shade. Very hot. Cleaned room a bit and rested in p.m. In garden picking gooseberries with 3 Bewley’s, for Morell. Eva “topping and tailing”. Teddy at lathe in evening. Didn’t listen War Commentary.
Friday 5th June 1942
Very hot.
James’ 5th birthday. In garden weeding with him a bit. Blain fetched my car from Watson’s. I washed clothes and rested 30 minutes in p.m. Alys made chocolate filling and Eva icing for James’ cake. Cut grass round steps. Ironed. Teddy got car done. Lathe again. James had Phil’s boat given to him.
Saturday 6th June 1942
Very hot. Breeze.
Alys, Eva and I with Eve to Richmond. Got chocolate. Teddy with his car to Watsons about steering. Dinner 12.30. Marguerite with Bewley’s to Darlington. Eva out with Eve. Alys ricked back. Made trifle and in hut. I read on bed. Alys, Eve and James (Eva to Barney to get shoes for James (no use)). Teddy found the fishing-rod. Eva cut Alys’ hair.
Memo:
31st Canterbury bombed
Duct blocked all week and nose very blocked.
3rd a.m. post. Application for petrol went off
2nd Swarm.
5th James’ 5th birthday. Gave Eva £5 for him.
U.S. Naval and aircraft victory near Japanese at Midway Atoll.
Sunday 7th June 1942
Fine. Cooler. Very windy.
A good deal with Eve. Teddy took James to pond and they sailed the boat Phil made. In p.m. rested; then with James weeding on drive. After tea with James to Blain’s and Rona came with us and her car (from Eunice Elgey). Also Nancy. Teddy ran black engine with 13 carriages; up in top room. “Are you sure”. Eva and Teddy packed.
Monday 8th June 1942
Cool, showery.
Breakfast 7. At 8.15 Berry’s and Marguerite away to Hereford, lunch Ashby-de-la-Zouche Royal. Alys and I cleared up. Coffee at 12. In garden. Rest in p.m. Alys wrote Kitty. Milk spilt in pantry. I hoed and weeded. Alys rang up Eva and heard they arrived 5.35. Read papers and to bed 9.55. Cold. No fire.
Tuesday 9th June 1942
Dull and cold.
Alys and I to Richmond, got paint for beehives and flat white (no shiny white to be got). Picked gooseberries for bottling and to Barnes’, Holt, Dimmock. Tea (strawberries from greenhouse. 6 each!) To O’Brien’s and picked few more gooseberries. Alys got flowers. George and Blain to Hartforth. Brains Trust. B. Thompson on Wendell Wilkie.
Wednesday 10th June 1942
Very dull. Dark.
Alys to Richmond by bus 11.45 but Banks closed at 12! I weeding and in p.m. and hoeing strawberry beds and after tea. George’s sister, Jean, and Tony aged 1¾ came at 5 and stayed night.
General Koenig and Free French withdrawn for Bir Hakim. Anglo-Soviet Pact 11th.
Thursday 11th June 1942
Fine. Getting warm.
Out hoeing new strawberry bed in a.m. Rested in p.m. Alys showed Jean over house and made gingerbread. Hoeing and cutting grass by hut, after tea. George and Gladys saw Jean off by Glasgow bus 7. Ken cut lawns with motor mower. “Marching on”, story of 2 V.C.’s and submarine “Thrasher” and bombs in casing.
Friday 12th June 1942
Dull and cold.
Out hoeing, after doing laundry. George and Blain putting up sweet pea wires. In p.m. Alys and I in car to White House Farm, but both Mr Twedell’s were out. Hind’s sister as housekeeper (very pretty). Took pudding basin to Mrs Simpson. Alys’ gingerbread for tea. Hoeing and weeding till 7.25.
Saturday 13th June 1942
Dull and cold.
Alys and I to Richmond in car. ALys bought paraffin double burner 22/6 at Husband’s. I bought gardening gloves 6/9. Alys to Pringle’s for rent p.m. I to Blain’s (fed Zeus at 3). Alys made scones for tea and Scotch eggs for supper. Very good. I pruned vines. Zeus drank whitewash. Altered gloves in evening. We lighted cosy stove at 2.30.
Memo:
12th George put straw for strawberries
Sent cheque 7/6 to Polyfoto for James and Eva’s sheets of 48 each.
Sunday 14th June 1942
Rained all day.
Cosy stove and coke boiler all day. Wrote Amy Steel. Alys wrote Mr Charles, Malden> Read papers in p.m. to get flex at “warehouse” books for salvage. Mrs Gell in for ALys to phone doctor. I pruned vines after tea. Mended clothes. P.S. after News by Murrow (U.S.). “Jonah” in evening. Ralph Richardson. Hot bath.
Monday 15th June 1942
Dull. Cool.
Out to prune vines. Alys washing and cleaning (hot water). I wrote Eva (with cheque signed). Did my dress account 39 – 41. Alys to Hodgson’s and Gell’s for rent. Lady Serena James and Miss Evelyn Tease came about Red Cross. Alys and I gathered gooseberries – 7 lbs. for bottling and Hodgson’s. Topped and tailed.
Tuesday 16th June 1942
Cool. Fine later.
Alys and I picked gooseberries; and topped and tailed for bottling. I took 3 lbs to Miss Hodge’s and got some marigolds. To Barnes’ and Gell and Holt for Savings Group. Middleton’s from Eaglescliffe. Alys cycled to see 4 engined Bomber who crashed in Layton Fields. I cycled later and called on Pinkney’s and saw bomber. Planted marigolds. Nora Ireland and Mrs Stanwyx picked gooseberries.
Wednesday 17th June 1942
Finer. Dullish.
Watered marigolds. Helped Alys with Phil’s bed and changed mine. Picked gooseberries. To Dimmock’s and O’Brien in p.m. Alys to Wardle’s. Picked flowers. At 7.40. Alys and I in car to Darlington. Met Phil about 9.15. (No refill). Eggs and cocoa at 9.45.
Thursday 18th June 1942
Rain in a.m. Dull.
Filled in form of extra questions from Petroleum Board and wrote letter. Pruned vine. In p.m. by 2.45 bus to Richmond for Phil’s ration (emergency) and sent postal order for 4/2. Rural Pennies. Back by 4.15. (4.30 as late). Phil cycled to see Bomber remains and talked to Anderson. All of us out walk after supper. Phil to bed 9. News and Commentary: Ragnar Colvin.
Friday 19th June 1942
Fine. Warm.
Phil and Blain to Beck in car, and walked about. 3 swarms during p.m. Collected in small hive by Phil and Blain. Alys to Barney by 1.15 bus and back by 3.50 (late). Mrs and Mrs Middleton in and round garden with Alys and me. Zeus sick. Posted letter to Petroleum Board. News and “Are you sure” and European News 10.15 in Phil’s room.
Saturday 20th June 1942
Fine. Warm.
Cut grass round cotoneasters and swarm on ash tree – high! Phil reading Pharmacy on long chair outside. Stormy sort of heat. Read paper. Put hot bottle rubber sole on Alys’ shoe and out in garden. Mended Blain’s bee-gloves. In garden with Phil after supper. Buttered eggs in Phil’s room. News and America.
Memo:
19th/20th swarms! Small cast of bees.
3lb gooseberries at 5d a lb
Phil 17th
Alys sent Dennis’ suit off 19th
Pickin 18th.
14th Wrote Amy Steel.
21st Tobruk surrendered.
Sunday 21st June 1942
Hot. Muggy.
Finished Alys’ shoes. Phil clipped hedge. Phil doing bees – queen cells. Very, very long swarm, Ken up for it. All in p.m. Phil reading on lawn; Alys out too. I read indoors. Too hot and stormy but after tea out weeding. Midges bad. Showed Phil little lump on my side. Ward’s came to visit Bewley’s. “Are you sure” and bad news of Tobruk.
Monday 22nd June 1942
Hot. Perfect.
In garden a bit weeding. Phil doing queen cells. Alys took Blain to dentist at Richmond in car. In p.m. I by 2.45 bus to Richmond to buy corduroy shorts for Phil at Hodge’s. 12.11 (5 of my coupons). He paid for the shorts. Got cyanide of potassium for wasps. Alys made scones.
Tuesday 23rd June 1942
Perfect. Hot.
Rested on lawn. Pruned grape vines. Gardened on my border. In p.m. to Barnes’, Holt, Dimmock, O’Brien. Stayed talking. Sewed burlap in Zeus’ basket. Gardening again till supper. Phil out on lawn. Phil and Blain got Phil’s wireless right. Brains Trust in Phil’s room.
Wednesday 24th June 1942
Fine. Warm.
Phil and Blain doing wireless. I pruning vines. Picked flowers in p.m. and arranged. Sent Phil’s phrase to Readers’ Digest. Phil outdoors reading Virginia Cowles. I gardening. Alys brought pheasant and partridge eggs. Pheasants to hatch. Dimbleby depressing re. Egypt, Tobruk.
27th Churchill back from U.S.A. King and Queen to Ulster.
Thursday 25th June 1942
Dull then very fine.
Alarum 6.55. Breakfast 7.30. Alys, Phil and I to Darlington. Phil off 8.50? I had hair cut at Mortimer’s 9 a.m. We shopped. Wood’s pencils, gold paint, Amber Ale, oatmeal. Lunch at British Restaurant 10d. Got seeds at Woolworth’s. Home by 1.30! Changed Phil’s and my beds. Coffee 3.45. Posted Phil’s keys and letter-card to Eva. Gardened in my border. Supper in pantry. Watered plants 8.30. Cyril Falls War Commentary.
Friday 26th June 1942
Fine. Warm.
Did clean and dirty laundry. Did up string bag and wrote letter to Poz. In p.m. gardened; sowed wall flower and linum seeds and lupins. In garden with Alys after tea. Mended nets on red currants. Sowed more seeds.
Saturday 27th June 1942
Dullish.
Alys and I to Richmond in car. Got sunhat for James 2/6 and tin for hay box (water) 5/-. Sent parcel to Poz. Took Mrs Pringle both ways. Rested in p.m. Slept. Gardened after. Mash called, on motorbike. Eva rang up about new maid. Alys’ letter to Poz went to Hereford with James’ hat!
Memo:
26th Got ration petrol coupons for July, August, Setpember – 12 units
“Darling, you’re positively scintillating tonight.”
26th Message from Aunt Bella
Still fighting in Sebastopol.
Our position very grave in Egypt.
Sunday 28th June 1942
Perfect day.
Gardened all a.m. Alys wrote Phil in hut (Bewley’s away for night and Newcastle in a.m.) Bob here. I wrote Kitty. Washed clothes. Rested on bed. Gardened again later after tea; my border. Alys picked strawberries for supper and made scone for tea. Edith Evans in Shaw’s play – “The Millionairess”.
Monday 29th June 1942
Hot. Fine.
Weeded rose-bed and picked roses. Alys got breakfast for us, and Robbie. Washed things. Rested on bed; slept. Alys in hut. My border after tea and rose-bed. Ken cut lawn. Alys made cheese-pudding for supper. News and 2nd Act “The Millionairess” and European News 10.15. Bewley’s back 10.
Tuesday 30th June 1942
Perfect.
Out weeding my border. To Barnes, Dimmock, Holt, Gell and heard complaints about Alan Cliff. Atkinson did Miss Holt’s gutter and hover weeded after tea. George’s sister, Betty and her Canadian came. Alys tried to ring Kitty about George who “seriously wounded” (in hospital). Action in Libya. Brains Trust.
Wednesday 1st July 1942
Fine.
Weeded broccoli. To O’Brien’s. Rested. Read William Holt’s “I haven’t unpacked”. Slept. Alys made scones. All up on roof, to show Bewley’s and Betty Bewley and Raymond Michael, who left later. On rock garden doing wire. Alys and George too. Cold supper – scrambled egg, salad strawberries (hot soup).
Vote of Censure. Wardlaw-Milne Vote of Confidence. 475-25.
Germans field at El Alamein.
Thursday 2nd July 1942
Perfect. Windy.
Sent 25 word message to Aunt Bella by Red Cross. Alys and I altered linen in shelves. In garden after dinner and a short rest. Alys wrote Kitty 6 p.m. News. Then we walked to Ravensworth. Shop (shut 6!) and Atkinson’s, D. Brown took us to Road end from bridge (instead of 7.10 bus). Vote of Confidence 475 to 25. Churchill spoke 90 minutes. Helmore War Commentary; Sebastapol; Marching In.
Friday 3rd July 1942
Slight rain at times. Warm.
Did laundry. Tidied front lawn edges. Alys to Richmond by 2.45 bus to get hinges for hay box. I did up Lux and Persil and £1 for Eva’s birthday and 20 cigs and £1 for Teddy and posted. Read paper with Churchill’s speech. Garden after tea, front lawn. News and Polish Standard playlet.
Saturday 4th July 1942
Rain all p.m. till 7.
Aly’s 58th birthday. She and I to Barnard Castle for Ration books to Hunter (in car). Got 2 gallons petrol at Watson’s and Mobiloil. Afternoon, I stuck piece enamel on bathroom wall .Cut glove pattern. Both out to see cherries, picked some and strawberries. Alys took some strawberries to Blain’s. Soup, kippers and strawberries for supper. Independence Day programme.
Memo:
2nd Message to Aunt Bella – Red Cross (Leeds).
4th Write Eva and Teddy.
Holding our own at El Alamein and 5 mile advance.
Sunday 5th July 1942
Fine. Windy.
Some housework and washing. Raked hay off banks where Ken scythed. Alys talked to George about holiday, Gladys. I weeded on front lawn. Eunice came about swarm on henhouse, got Ken. P.S. by Brockington and Gladys said “Out” tho’ took last Sunday. Salmon mayonnaise. Chocolate crème.
Monday 6th July 1942
Hot. Fine. Perfect.
Alys with Blain to Richmond in car to sell swarm; and dentist. I gardening on front lawn and drive. Round steps p.m. weeding again, after tea, doing hay and to see pigs, cherries. After supper, put hay in sheet indoors. “Next of Kin” from War Office film after news. Miss Shepherd phoned that queen bee dead.
Tuesday 7th July 1942
Showers.
Lined hay-box. George gave notice. To Barnes and Dimmock and Holt and O’Brien (Group Savings). I picked strawberries at 2 – 3. Altered beds; Alys did Phil’s room. To Darlington via Eppleby, Mansfield, Binns, Cinema “Murder in the family”. Met Phil 9.40. Late 55 minutes. Home. Cocoa, eggs, strawberries.
Wednesday 8th July 1942
Fine and hot.
Phil down to breakfast in dressing gown. In bed rest of day with aspirins but alright. I picked strawberries for dinner. Rested on sofa in p.m. Alys on her bed. Put hay in hay box. Rolled wire up. Picked lots of roses. In Phil’s room for news. Eva phoned. Maid leaves Saturday.
Thursday 9th July 1942
Fine. Warm.
Put hay out. Sat in Phil’s bedroom and talked. He in bed all day but well. I picked strawberries at 1.45 and to Richmond 2.45 bus to get Phil’s ration (emergency 2 weeks) and ordered paraffin drum. Bus broke down, had to change. Cherries at tea-time. In garden, cut border. Strawberries in Phil’s room after supper. Alys rang Dennis.
Friday 10th July 1942
Dullish, some sun. Thundery.
Phil in hut after breakfast in dressing gown and in to meals, out between. I doings hay and hay boxes. Mattress. Did laundry in a.m. 10 gallon drum paraffin, with tap came from Spence’s. 17/6 (the drum). Zeus hungry. Kim worms. Rain and colder at 7.30.
Saturday 11th July 1942
Fine on whole. Rain at 8.30. Sun.
Alys at 10.15 to Barney (Barnard Castle). I did housework. Phil in hut after breakfast in dressing gown, then bath and dressed. Alys back at 1 o’clock (12.10 from Barnard Castle). In p.m. I picked lots of strawberries till 4. After tea, we looked at Father’s View Albums Lübeck and round garden. Lower border full of flowers. News and Gram Swing and crossword.
Memo:
Paper salvage came 7th
6th Eva’s 33rd birthday.
8th Teddy’s 36th
7th Phil’s refill
Stone hot bottles 4 11 ½ . Shears 3.6
Very grave situation at Voronezh (on Don River)
Sunday 12th July 1942
Perfect.
Housework. Picked strawberries. Took hay out. Phil down and a long chair on stone-crop corner. I slept on bed in p.m. Alys wrote Gwen. Cut grass border. Made pathway through bricks. In Phil’s room for News and P.S. by Onlooker. Sir N. Birkitt on U.S.A. Sunday Times crossword with Phil. Zeus sick.
Monday 13th July 1942
Hot. Dull.
Wrote Ella about Robin Bell’s death. Did hay box. Alys to Collingwood’s for Atkinson on bicycle. I cleaned bicycle in p.m. Alys to Mrs Millbank’s with strawberries in car and sold 4lb to Watson at 1/10. Phil and I by pond. Alys and Phil to Mrs Millbank after supper for basket. Zeus restless.
Tuesday 14th July 1942
Warm, Dullish.
Heard George Buchanan all right and allowed out. Weeded rock-garden. Picked flowers and sage. Alys to meet Dennis at Richmond 3.45. I to Barnes, Dimmock, Holt, Gell, Bewley’s – Savings Group. Got tea and coffee. Dennis and Alys back and tea all in garden till 6 or later. Strawberries and raspberries for supper. Up twice in night with Zeus.
Wednesday 15th July 1942
Dull. Colder in evening. Rain.
Phil’s heart irregular and bumpy all night. He in bed all day. Dennis talked Blain and then George Bewley. Alys and I cleaned smoke-room and Lord Bolton came at 2.45. (Lady Bolton too). I to O’Brien 3 times; finally in at 6.50. Dennis for walk in quarry field. He to bed 8.15. He boil bad (on flank).
Thursday 16th July 1942
Showers.
Phil down to breakfast. Alys had it out with Gladys, about George. Mended clothes. Dennis’ boil very big and red. To garden to try to get information from George about vegetables. Only Bob there, so I picked redcurrants with him till 4. Dennis botanizing. Alys to get Cliff’s rent. Phil wrote letters. Picked wild strawberries. Zeus 1.15. Ferriby war Commentary.
Friday 17th July 1942
Rain and wind.
Alys by 10 bus to Barnard Castle for rations and fish. I washed up and Dennis and Phil read wine books. Out to George and he told me about vegetables and Alys talked about his leaving and conduct. Sent off 5/- book stamps to Red Cross. Made suspender belt. Alys calculated wages insurance. Dennis’ boil very painful. Not open. Aspirin. Phil and I did crossword.
Saturday 18th July 1942
Dull, then better in p.m.
Alys and Dennis drove to Foxhall Inn to fix billet for land-girl. Alys went again on cycle pm. Mrs Bigg phoned and Alys phoned Mrs Ingram and all fixed. I wrote Doz and Eva and Kardomah. Dennis, Alys and Phil in garden. I later, weeded rose-bed. Dennis nearly 100° and to bed at 8. Boil very bad, but oozing. Crossword with Phil in evening. Commander Lindley.
Memo:
14th raspberries 1st time
15th Wrote Kit lettercard about George being better.
17th Had a fire in cosy stove at 11.30.
Mrs Ingram phoned about land-girl.
Russians holding Voronesh still. Lull in Egypt.
Sunday 19th July 1942
Fine. Dennis in bed all day. Boil very bad. I with him, looking at Father’s View. Phil rested on lawn p.m. I told George to bring in broad beans. Picked flowers. Alys picked strawberries in p.m. With Phil for lovely walk after tea (and Kim). Alys read Russian stories to Dennis. News and crossword in Phil’s room and “Are you sure”.
Monday 20th July 1942
Fine. Showers.
Dennis in bed all day – “Veganin”. I in garden, asked George to get vegetables for Morell. Gladys horrid to Alys. Phil worked extractor and I got pots for honey ready. Bewley slept at 3.30. Picked raspberries. Dr Woodsend to see Dennis – gave him 4lbs. Supper late. Closed hothouses at 8.30. Crossword with Phil.
Tuesday 21st July 1942
Fine.
Up 5.45 to stoke stove. Alys got breakfast 7.15 and Phil off with Baden to catch 8.50 train. Dennis in great pain in bed all day. Dr Woodsend came. Peggy picked strawberries 22lb! I flowers for Morrell and then raspberries. Took to Gell 4lb. Land-girl Ellerton didn’t come. Chaplain came and had dinner. Didn’t stop. Nora for strawberries.
Wednesday 22nd July 1942
Dull, windy showers.
Peggy picking raspberries and black currants. I getting peas and broadbeans. Alys to Darlington to meet Staph serum 2.45 in car. And took Ireland’s raspberries 7lb. I took Barnes’ raspberries 10lb in car in p.m. and to Holt and Dimmock, Gell. Dr Woodsend came and injected Dennis. Eva phoned. Watered tomato’s (pots). Dennis felt less pain.
Grave threat to Rostov again and Caucasus
Thursday 23rd July 1942
Dullish. Fair.
Dennis still very ill. I out to pick peas, water tomatoes, redcurrants, raspberries, blackcurrants. Peggy and other Blain’s picking fruit. Took 7lb raspberries to Elgey’s. Peeled mushrooms that Ireland brought. Alys cooked for dinner. Stanwix fetched 7lb raspberries late. Peggy and I weighed 38lb redcurrants. News in Dennis’ room and War Commentary by Colonel Hastings. Good. Phil phoned.
Friday 24th July 1942
Rain then fine.
Work 8.35! Peggy cut lettuces and we weighed redcurrants for Morell. 10 a.m got broad beans. At 2.15 Colonel Adami to see house for requisitioning. Royal Engineers. Dr Woodsend at 3. Gave Dennis a 2nd injection.. Tea. Picked strawberries. Watered tomatoes. Peggy too. Cut cucumbers. Wrote Phil. News and strawberries in Dennis’ room. (Middle East Major-General Arthur Smith talk).
Saturday 25th July 1942
Fine. Windy.
To gardens. Took 10.45 bus to Richmond. Met Dorothy Ellerton (and Mother). Engaged her to come on Monday. To Cherry’s for kippers and Clarkson. Back by 11.45 bus. Alys did steak. Picked blackcurrants. Helped Baden with honey extracting. Ken too. Watered tomatoes with hose. Tropical House – large bed. Dennis feeling miserable. Sore and stiff. Carbuncle blood but no pus. Colonel Adam and Major Smales in.
Memo:
Dennis taking Sulfathiazole (and veganin) – sleep.
19th broad beans
21st Mrs Blain made 6lb strawberry and 2½lb raspberry jam for us.
Nazis advancing on Stalingrad.
Fiercest fighting.
Sunday 26th July 1942
Fine. Warm.
Alys up at 2 as Dennis diarrhoea. I up 7 and then 8. Zeus and stove. Spilt milk. To garden at 10.45. Watered and picked tomatoes. Noel in (1lb). Alys cooked hot beef, new potatoes, peas (I shelled). Chocolate junket. Helping Mrs Blain bottle raspberries and currants (Camden) all p.m. Dennis better. Sat with him after tea. To garden for lettuces, and closed up at 7.30. “Are you sure” after News. P.S. by Wolfenden.
Monday 27th July 1942
Rain early and then fine.
To gardens. Early lunch and to Ireland’s with tomatoes. Then met Dorothy Ellerton 1.10 bus to Foxhall Inn. She changed. Back. She talked to Alys. Showed her gardens. We picked raspberries for Bainbridge, then watered tomatoes. I took blackcurrants to Barnes, 10lb at 1/2. Dorothy Ellerton back to Foxhall at 5.30. Dennis better. News and I read Triple Fugue – Sitwell – to him.
Tuesday 28th July 1942
Fine. Rain after 5.30.
Miss Ellerton at 8.45! To garden with her. Royal Engineer’s in with Vickery, Corporal. To move furniture. Dr Woodsend came. Morell at 1.2. Extracting honey p.m. with Blain. Ellerton picking raspberries. Alys and I bottled some at 6. She washed Dennis. Supper. To greenhouses and thinned grapes 8.30. News and strawberries in Dennis’ room.
Wednesday 29th July 1942
Fine. Hot.
Atkinson and Baden cleaning chimneys, nursery and sitting-room. We tidying and Alys cleaned sitting-room in p.m. I to Holt and Dimmock, got loaf. 4d. Mrs Holt from Richmond cycled from fruit. Alys and I tidying kitchen and putting away things. D. Ellerton took fruit to Savory and tomatoes.
Thursday 30th July 1942
Fine. Warm.
Clearing up for Royal Engineers. In garden. D. Ellerton putting out leek plants, carved up boiled cock. To Corner’s with raspberries and currants for Mrs Coats. Met bus with Clarkson’s parcel. Changed linen to old place. Wrote Kit, Kardomah, and sent off bill for electricity to R.A.S.C. To Gell’s, Mrs Nelson came for tomatoes and vegetables. Picked raspberries in bottle for Camden. Helmore.
Friday 31st July 1942
Fine. Hot but breeze.
Picked flowers for Morell. Blain extracted honey. Mrs Pringle in and faint! Did laundry. 11.45 bus. Got Dennis’ ration slip and fish. In garden picking raspberries. Brigadier expected. Wrote Doz. Water tomatoes and marrows. Ate raspberries in Dennis’ room. Did 2 more Camden’s (raspberries). Lord Elton on books.
Saturday 1st August 1942
Fine, hot.
To tomato houses. At 11 Blain in to say Royal Engineers not coming here! Put blackcurrants in bottle (Camden). Dorothy Ellerton away at 21 (till Tuesday). Picked blackcurrants and raspberries. Mrs Blain and cousin picking raspberries. Took black card to Hodgson’s. Sold tomatoes to Barnes (Frank) and Keith Binker and old Banks and Mrs Clark. Alys phoned Phil.
Memo:
27th – 28th Dennis had heart attack in night – carbuncle better.
Germans progressing over Don and Kuban Rivers. Gandhi dreadful obstruction – India.
Sunday 2nd August 1942
Hot. Thunder.
Opened glasshouses. Picked strawberries for us and Blain’s. In p.m. picked raspberries for dessert and cooking, also redcurrants. Dennis weak, pain “holly” often, no temp. News and “Are you sure” and raspberries and cream in his room. Colonel Adami called to explain.
Monday 3rd August 1942
Rain.
Opened greenhouses. Tied up tomatoes. Too heavy. Dr Woodsend in p.m. Took out ½ core of Dennis’ carbuncle. Alys made cauliflower with cheese and tomato. Old Binks came and Mrs Elgey. Tomatoes. Melted beeswax off in p.m.
Tuesday 4th August 1942
Dull, old.
Dorothy Ellerton back and got cabbage and lettuce for Morell. I got raspberries (n. Blain helped) and flowers. He came about 2. Alys giving Dennis hourly hot fomentation. Helped Baden take honey out and covered some pots. Raspberries weighed and sold to Clark. Versa Corner and Bink’s sister. Raspberries and news and Russian (Worth) commentary.
Wednesday 5th August 1942
Fine.
Picked raspberries. Dorothy Ellerton and I fixed the peach net. To Barnes’, Dimmock, Holt for savings and took tomatoes. Met hitchhiking girl from Wallingford (and Norwich) – Shevaun? She came to tea (road block at Greta). Got honey in pots and wrote labels for jams. Dennis very bored in bed still and hourly fomentations.
Thursday 6th August 1942
Dullish.
Nancy helped me to pick raspberries and to see them to Elgey’s and Dimmock’s. I picked peas too. Did honey with Blain all p.m. and covered jam and honey pots. Miss Bimpson came and Miss Peacock (with sheets for wash). Dennis sat in chair. Alys did stuffed tomatoes and a wonderful minestrone soup. Wrote Ella.
Friday 7th August 1942
Fine, warm.
Picked flowers for Morell. Got peas and shelled them. Dorothy Ellerton choosing peas and sowing onion and leek seed and planting out young grains. Did laundry with Barnes’ sheets. But men didn’t come. Alys to Barney in car to register at Hunter’s for bacon. Dr Woodsend came. Blain doing stove leak. I weeded by runner beans. Ate first peach in evening.
Saturday 8th August 1942
Very showery.
Dorothy Ellerton 8.30 to 11.30. I got peas and shelled. Took wax off honey comb in p.m. Ays made curry with sausagemeat and raspberry juice shape. Picked a few rapsberries then rain so thinned grapes. Weeded onion .Got lettuce and chives. Ireland brought mushrooms. Clark and Binks for tomatoes. To Mrs Barnes about laundry and rashers. Dennis shaved beard off in bathroom!
Memo:
3rd Royal Engineers come in?
3rd Letter from Amy Steel
7th Posted letter to Ella
Gandhi, Nehru arrested. Riots quelled.
Sunday 9th August 1942
Fine. Warm.
Double summertime ends. Clocks back. Mushrooms for breakfast. Out to gardens. Picked broad-beans, cut tomato leaves. Picked raspberries. Dennis up to front room twice. Peggy Blain to see him, and then away (to Cambridge). Picked redcurrants. Wrote to Phil. Tea in Dennis’ room. Thinned grapes after supper. News and P.S. by McClish about U.S. soldier.
Monday 10th August 1942
Rain. Mild.
Picked peas. Dorothy Ellerton put up net south side peaches. Lettercard to Kit. Hunter’s list. Blain mended leak in stove. Washed arcade a bit. Alys for rents. I with Dennis a bit. Mushroom soup, ham and peas. No butcher still. Scrambled eggs. Did potatoes on ideal stove. Peaches. Wore Alys ski-ing trousers.
Tuesday 11th August 1942
Dull. Mild. Got raspberries and Nancy picking for their bottles. Morell took peaches. Honey extracted. Alys helped Blain. I to Gell and Holt, Baker, Barnes. Mincing machine to Eva and honey. O’Brien at 7. Covered honey pots. Dennis walked a bit; all pus gone. Eva phoned I cracked roof of hothouse and put plaster on. Raspberries in evening.
Wednesday 12th August 1942
Dull with wind.
I to Barnard Castle on 10 bus. Got fish (queue) and elastoplast and bread. Dennis dressed and up and in sitting-room. And 3 times after breakfast. Up to rest and down and 3 times out in garden. I weeded. Dorothy Ellerton planted out Cos lettuce. To Mrs Blain about dried peas. Herrings for supper. Phyllis Simpson called.
Convoy through to Malta.
Thursday 13th August 1942
Dullish, mild.
Mushrooms for breakfast. Alys made tomato ketchup. Picked redcurrants, lettuce; did salad. Dennis down to dinner (in garden first). Dr and Mrs Woodsend in. Mrs Nelson’s niece, Margaret Bawlor, (Retford, White Hart) to get tomatoes, cabbages, lettuce. Gave her peach. Wilf Binks in. Dennis and I talked to him in hothouses. Picked flowers for Morrell and washed cold frame glass. Ays picked raspberries.
Friday 14th August 1942
Fairly warm. Some sun.
Busy for Morrell. Peaches, peas. Forgot rhubarb and phlox as no list. Picked peas. Dennis outside all a.m., botanizing and in p.m. in hut. Dorothy Ellerton and I hung nets over plums on wall. Alys cooked fish Morrell brought for supper. Few raspberries. Watered marrows, thinned grapes. Alys and Dennis with Blain’s and heard Peggy’s letter.
Saturday 15th August 1942
Warm, Fair. Showers later.
Out to get peas and Dell got beans and raspberries. Shelled beans. In p.m. made porridge and got wax off honey. Wrote Poz. Cottage pie with tomato roof and broad beans with sauce and fruit-juice cornflour. Got sweet peas. Weeded marrows. Covered honey. Wrote Pickin, and for scythe.
Memo:
10th all had peaches in evening – Alys, Denis and I
9th Picked last strawberries
Picken 13th
No butcher 8th
Churchill in Moscow and El Alamen, Cairo.
Big Raid on France 19th
Sunday 16th August 1942
Fine, warm.
Tomato plants fell over (wire loose). Ken helped put up. In greenhouse all a.m. Dennis in garden in sun. Alys cooked sirloin, Yorkshire pudding, peas. Stewed raspberries and blackcurrants. Did honey upstairs and tied over. Colonel Adami called. All in garden and houses. Picked raspberries, tomatoes. Dennis gave apples to pigs. First nectarines and mushrooms.
Monday 17th August 1942
Mild. Dullish.
Alys and Dennis and Baden to Richmond. Dennis – hair cut. Baden to dentist. D. Ell plucked and drew 3 grouse (sent by Lord Bolton). Colonel Adami came. Hothouses and beer, got apples and little plums in. Alys cooked grouse for supper, bread-sauce and gravy. Salad. Wonderful.
Tuesday 18th August 1942
Fine. Warm.
Picked phlox, rudbeckia, and many for Morrell. Beets, rhubarb, peaches. To Dimmock – Jenny there – (Millbanks). Barnes, Gell (Hazel prize baby), O’Brien away. Dennis wrote 7 lettters. He and Alys to reservoir pond field. I covered honey. To bed before 10. Alexander supersedes Auchinleck. Montgomery instead Richie.
Wednesday 19th August 1942
Fine. Warm.
In garden about potatoes and seed-room. Did grapes. Did up apples and tomatoes for Eva and sent off. Put away bee crate. After tea walked with Dennis and Kimbo round big field above quarry. Back 6.55. To Holt with stamps. Dennis to bed 8.50. News upstairs. Admiral Kimmins told of Malta convoy.
U.S. land on Solomon Islands and raid Gilbert Islands – Wanklyn and Upholder lost.
Thursday 20th August 1942
Fine, warm.
Got net off raspberries and was left on plumb West wall. Picked peaches. Baden got out honey, ½ filled sections. Wrote Yorkshire Post with advert of engine and for spare blades to nettle-cutter. Alys and Dennis for walk after tea. I put crates away (honey). Picked rudbeckia before and after supper. Dynamo on fire. Major Lewis Hastings, War Commentary.
Friday 21st August 1942
Heavy showers.
Doing flowers, apples for Morrell. He asks for tomatoes. Cleaned arcade mats – bees. In garden with new scythe. D’Ell tying up shallots. Alys and Dennis in peach house. (Alys picked 6 for Dr Woodsend who came). Scrambled eggs for supper, Miss Peacock and Crisp came. Woodruffe P.S. on Navy in Dieppe Raid.
Saturday 22nd August 1942
Fine. Mild.
Out getting plums (windfalls). Cleaned up soot from housekeeper’s room. In p.m. tied up Cos lettuces. Cut grass by heather. Peacock and Crisps and Noel Barnes came at 6 and we all 3 took them round gardens. Gave some peaches and nectarines and tomatoes.
Memo:
19th – 3 landings in France. Dieppe. Terrific air-battles (Raid, not invasion). 90 planes lost.
1st nectarines 16th
Sent Rural Pennies 4.6 16th
Sent advert of engine 20th to Yorkshire Post.
Duke of Kent killed in air-craft crash 26th
Sunday 23rd August 1942
Dull. Mild.
Thinned high grapes. Picked plums (small blue). Quiet all p.m. Wrote for various gadgets to Penn with cheque 11/6. Picked wineberries (big). Phoned Brown’s (Dunsa) about beeswax. Alys picked few last raspberries. “Pinafore” and “Are you sure” Brockington.
Monday 24th August 1942
Dull. Mild.
Was sick from 2 – 5 a.m. Stayed in bed all day, dozing and sleeping. Raspberry juice and sugar at 7.30 and Bovril in night. Dr Fothergill phoned at tea, and Mr Harry Brown called after tea. Gave peaches and nectarines. Dennis up to breakfast. Alys picked flowers for Morrell.
Tuesday 25th August 1942
Dark. Rainy. Very mild.
Dennis and I to breakfast in dressing gowns. Got apples. Ready for Moreell. Let him have 10lb tomatoes at 1/2. Rested 3.15 – 4.15 slept. Dr Woodsend came with Elastoplast for Dennis’ places. To tomato houses and cut off leaves. Collins talk on Wavell after news.
Wednesday 26th August 1942
Very hot. Muggy.
Out 3 times to get peas and mint. Alys to Barnard Castle at 1.15 (early). Dennis wrote about Crossley engine. I to Baker, Holt, Gell. Then Dennis and I to Barnes, Only Peacock there. Saw over lower floor. Dennis planted out linaria on rock. Harry Brown came. Sat in garden till 7.10. Ken tried mowing and scythed. Alys took tomatoes to Dimmock’s. Peacock brought ham from Mrs Barnes.
Stalingrad still holding out.
Thursday 27th August 1942
Fine. Very warm and muggy. Too hot.
Got vegetable marrow and Alys stuffed it for dinner. Dorothy Ellerton got peaches down. Dennis planting out giant parsnips. I got apples. Dennis showed me where giant parsnips. Dennis and Alys to Barnes’. Wrote Doz. Mary Telford for tomatoes and to tea. Ken mowed lawn. Alys phoned Eva and Phil (who not got cold) rubisol. Dennis sat with Mr Hodgson. I got tomatoes. Wasps in plums. Alys trying to phone Eva – 6.30 – 10.20 – no use.
Friday 28th August 1942
Very hot. Wasps and corn lice.
Up 6 a.m Alys phoned Eva 7.10. Dennis and Alys to Darlington and Dennis away 8.50. I got flowers Morrell. Laundry, Hunter, Butcher. Alys to Blain’s with tomatoes and sausage-meat and to Gell’s with apples. Opened greenhouses and watered floors. 8.30 Dennis phoned from Ashridge. Lita Daniels there! Mrs Pringle in for tomatoes. To bed 9.25.
Saturday 29th August 1942
Cold. Drizzly.
Man came for mimosa. Did a bit of grape-covering with net. Apple and plum picking and weeded lower border in p.m. Alys to Blain’s. Re-lighted stove. Made curry sauce for cold cod-fish. Boys mowing lawn. Cold and Drizzly. Kennet Crawford. American Commentary.
Memo:
28th Heard bombs at 11 p.m.
27th Barnes; ham and mushrooms.
Wasps ate all the blue plums. Wasps everywhere and corn lice.
Telford engaged John Benson.
Sunday 30th August 1942
Dull. Very heavy. Rain storm.
Cadets in huts (searchlight). To Vinehouse and very distressed at grapes withering. Used hose and took stuff away in pails. In p.m., out again, working hard at vines. Cut 2 bunches. Alys met Harry Brown late for tea as deluge of rain. Out at 7 and picked up apples. Out after supper to close door. Lovely ham toasts. Alys made. Stove out, so no bath. Blain’s ping-pong.
Monday 31st August 1942
Dullish. Mild.
Out to garden. Cut carnations and sweet peas. Wrote form for petrol and sent letter to Stokes-Cooker place. Salted French beans. 4lbs. Picked up apples. Alys made risotto, lovely.
Tuesday 1st September 1942
Fine. Perfect.
Picking flowers for Morell. He came 1.10. Row with him about being in glasshouses! Ended amicably. Picked Victoria plums unripe with Dorothy Ellerton to save from wasps. Wrote Poz (for books). Alys and Dorothy Ellerton put paper bags on big pears. Alys out and talked to cadets. Wireless battery gave out. Upstairs for news.
Wednesday 2nd September 1942
No weather.
Out: got peas. Picked grapes and saw about them. Dorothy Ellerton altered peach nets. Alys phoned Morritt about fruit. Wrote Horticultural Society and Petrol – see memo. To Hold, Dimmock, Barnes, O’Brien. Picked “Beauty of Bath” apples. Weeded brockley (?broccoli). Alys counted garden money. Ate nectarines. Bacon and eggs.
Terrific onslaught withstood at Stalingrad.
Thursday 3rd September 1942
Rain and Sun. Mild.
Breakfast 7.45. Alys tried to go by 8.30 bus, but heard Banks not open till 10, so went by 11.45 bus to Richmond. I picked peas, and shelled and later, I cooked them. Alys made curry. Lovely, and Scotch eggs for supper. Blain took off the last honey and extracted by hand, as the dynamo burnt. Ken mowed lawn. Wrote Doz about Edward and Northampton. Miss Peacock in 7.25. Upstairs 8.35.
Friday 4th September 1942
Fine. Windy.
Breakfast alone 8.45. Weighed apples, tomatoes – Morrell. Alys read Eva’s letter and Kitty’s. Taking nets of raspberries with Dorothy Ellerton. Henry Brown came with umbrella. Took other net off. Wrote 2 letters about engine and dynamo. Miss Peacock for laundry. Alys took her top room to see paintings. Alys phoned Eva 2 o’clock about going there. Bad itch on foot. Dull news. To bed 10.
Saturday 5th September 1942
Windy. Fine.
Blain and Ken away on holiday. Nancy lighting stove! Alys told Dorothy Ellerton about going away, and asked her to come here to sleep. Picked flowers for Corners and picked up apples. Alys phoned Kit about London. Put away hive crates. Stokes-Cooker and Bank for £75 certificate. Eva phoned in evening. Delighted Alys going. Tomato pie (Ella’s). Washed things. (Curried fish on Friday.)
Memo:
£39 odd made by garden produce September 2nd
Wrote Horticultural Society about grapes – 2nd
Wrote Pig & Poultry ration request – 2nd
Write for Petrol Ration this week. Sent off 2nd.
Rommel returns.
Sunday 6th September 1942
Fine, sunny.
Arnold lighted stove. In garden, apples, peaches, nectarines to be picked up. Alys cooked beef joint and peas. She packed suitcase and parcel in grape-box – tomatoes. Alys started car and drove round to make sure for tomorrow.
Monday 7th September 1942
Dull, rainy. Better later.
To Blain’s for wireless battery (Mash). Alys made sandwiches (sausage and tomato) and away and up at 6, Breakfast 7, Alys to garage and away 749, Arnold and I got parcel from Penn and home. Tidied up. Cold beef and peas. To the Hodgson’s and Gell’s for rent. Did up onions and sent off, with Alys’ box too. Out and picked carnations and gladioli. Dorothy Ellerton had tea with me and to Inn and only back 8.35 for cold sausage supper. To bed 9.50, both of us.
Tuesday 8th September 1942
Fine, warm.
Dorothy Ellerton only down 8.45 with me! Busy getting ready for Morrell, weighing apples and tomatoes, cutting grapes, and flowers. Late lunch. To Mrs Cliff’s for rent 4.20. Bottled peaches (Camden). Dorothy Ellerton (D’Ell) made rissoles for supper. Churchill to House of Commons in News. Sinclair on Goebbels and U.S. and us. To bed 10.10.
Wednesday 9th September 1942
Fine. Warm.
D’Ell up 7.30. I had breakfast alone at 8.45. Made curried beef and did potatoes (Zeus and self) under porridge. Many callers for tomatoes. Did nectarines in Camden. To Holt, Dimmock, Barnes, Gell and O’Brien. S.G. Simpson called. Welsh Rarebit for supper. Candlelight, (engine stand by Arnold). D’Ell in at 8.45 to supper. To bed 10.
Thursday 10th September 1942
Lovely day.
Mr Hodgson for tomatoes. Showed him rooms. Did peas and warmed up curry. Bottled nectarines. Wrote Amy Steel. Mary Telford and Atkinson’s came. Mrs Middleton and Miss Holt came. Dorothy took down wall nets alone. Miss Peacock came. I out to pick carnations and sweet peas, antirrhinum, and cape gooseberries. Wrote Alys with Dennis’ pods. Ferriby.
Friday 11th September 1942
Fine day.
Morrell – got some flowers and grapes for him and peaches. Washed honey extractor all p.m. Electric light off. Phoned Alys, then Mrs Millbank at 8.15 Candles for supper and bath and bed@ To bed after News. Alys said Eve ill.
Saturday 12th September 1942
Dullish.
Phoned Watson 9.10, then Jackson. Got car out and went to fetch Jackson. He all day trying to get engine to charge. I got Corner too and he all day helping, and finally drove Jackson back in my car, and gave me key at 8.15. Dorothy to Granary “Social” of cadets. I salted beans and Price of tomatoes down to 1/3 from 1/4 ½ .
Memo:
9th Sold 36/- worth tomatoes
7th Alys to Hereford. Dorothy Ellerton slept here.
Stalingrad still holding out.
Sunday 13th September 1942
Fair. Mild.
My 63rd birthday. D’Ell to call on Hodgson’s. Together we cooked ½ leg mutton, French beans. She made Yorkshire pudding. Stewed plums I’d done before. D. & H. Brown called at 3. D’Ell and I made girdle cakes (too raw). She to Church, East Layton 5.30. I bottled tomatoes, peaches. Out to close houses. Walter Lippman P.S. good. Alys phoned from Hereford.
Monday 14th September 1942
Fine.
Busy cleaning room of honey and tidying it. Arnold helped Dorothy to pick plums. To Mrs Blain about jam. Took 2lb sugar (Mink). Wrote Alys and Stokes about accessories; sent cheque for cooker. Bottled 3 jars tomatoes (Camden). Dorothy made “Mock Crab” – delicious.
Tuesday 15th September 1942
Fine.
All a.m. weighing and picking grapes, flowers for Morrell. Bottled more peaches and tomatoes. Olive came for fruit, plums, tomatoes. Took her over house. Made chocolate and white of egg sweet and mock crab for my supper. Dorothy Ellerton out at “Sing Song” at Inn. I wrote Ella.
Wednesday 16th September 1942
Dullish. Windy.
I some waste paper clearing up. Cooked mutton and minced it. Olive in again. Mrs Clark with children. To Dimmock’s, Holt and Barnes and Gell. ALys phoned, bringing Phil tomorrow. To Mrs Pringle about Dorothy Ellerton boarding there. D’Ell out till 8. 45. Wrote Poz and postcard to Doz earlier. Welsh rarebit.
Thursday 17th September 1942
Fine, mild.
Very busy all day cleaning and tidying rooms, getting Phil’s room ready and Blain to Darlington to meet Alys and Phil 2.25. They came 3.35 or so. Tea. Phil in hut. Did my bed. Picked chrysanthemums and cape gooseberries. D’Ell to Pringle’s to tea and to dance with Savery’s.
Friday 18th September 1942
Fine. Drizzly evening.
Picked grapes and sweet peas for Morell. Made bed and di my room and laundry. In p.m. Ays to Barney (Barnard Castle) with Baden for Phil’s rations and to Jackson’s. I mended Zeus’ basket. Bottled plums. Phil in hut a.m. and p.m. Alys to Pringle’s and Blain. D’Ell weeping in evening. Wrote Kit.
Saturday 19th September 1942
Very fine and hot sun.
Phil still sore throat; only in hut all day. Dell still miserable. Picked peas and beans. Olive came. D’Ell home. Shelled peas in hut in hot sun. Phil outside. Alys rested in garden. I washed things – zip coat. Alys to Mrs Savery’s on cycle. Shut glasshouses, weeded. Alys tried to phone Kitty, out of order, about Edward.
Memo:
19th Sent 4/3 to Red Cross for Rural Pennies.
16th Blain back from holiday.
Alys arrives Richmond 3.45 14th.
Sunday 20th September 1942
Heavy rain. Dark.
Up at 3 a.m to stove; out!!! Lighted it at 7.40 (clinker). To garden> picked up apples. Phil in hut all day. Sore throat. In p.m. machined zip coat. To O’Brien’s about phone. To vines. Picked tomatoes,. Pork and French beans dinner. Stewed peaches and plums. I did scrambled egg supper. Phil did Stokes Cooker and we did cheque with it. News in Phil’s room. Max Beerbohm. Zeus to go out. D’Ell back 10.15.
Monday 21st September 1942
Fair.
Cut raspberry canes and tied up new ones. Phil in hut all day, throat stil sore. In p.m scrubbed apple shelves with D’Ell. News from Kit of Edward in nursing home – enlarged liver. Macaroni cheese. Picked antirrhinums and cape gooseberries. News in Phil’s room. Reader’s Digest. Quiz.
Tuesday 22nd September 1942
Fine, windy. Phil outdoors.
Getting flowers and grapes, peaches – Morrell. In p.m. in peach house picking peaches which were falling. Phil better. He cut hedge with new cutter. I did path. Mince and peas (last ones) and egg and bacon and 2 mushrooms supper. D’Ell and Blain to see Elliot (in car) about cabbage plants. Crossword in Phil’s room.
Wednesday 23rd September 1942
Fine. Windy. Slight showrs.
Got potatoes and French beans for house. Cut beans. Put a layer in salt and Phil did bees with Baden in p.m. I to Holt, Dimmock, Barnes, Gell and after tea to see Musgrave’s. Alys and Phil in field but rained. D’Ell put onion in frame. Binnie Itale “Brightside”. Is your journey really necessary. Got to get the guns.
West Layton 74£ tank week. Got loaf from Dimmock’s.
Thursday 24th September 1942
Fine, then showers.
Did raspberries caned and picked grapes – about 5lbs. Phil and Baden did bees. (thought 3 had no queens). Put in cloths and feeders. Simpson and Atkinson’s came and Joe Atkinson and Peacock. I picked cape gooseberries. Montbretia and carnations (5). Lovely sausage-meat in butter. Crossword and Peter Masefield. Marching on. Phil and I gave syrup to bees.
Friday 25th September 1942
Dull. Cold. Showers.
Picked chrysanthemums for Morrell. He brought plaice (Alys did in white sauce). Did laundry. Dinner 12.30. Alys and Phil in car to Darlington. Also Blains. Alys and Phil on to Newcastle for Phil’s re-fill at 4.15. I bottled plums. Nora, I and Stephenson came. D’Ell tea with me at 6! Alys and Phil back at 6.30. Did “Mock Crab:”. Phil in bed at once.
Saturday 26th September 1942
Dullish. Cool.
Phil down to breakfast but on bed after, and down to dinner. Taking aspirin. Kippers for dinner and chocolate pudding. I in garden, picking apples and peaches. D’Ell home. Wrote Kit; Bottled plums. Alys did lima beans in lovely sauce. Phil supper in bed. To garden. Cut a few raspberry canes off. In Phil’s room. Wireless and crossword.
Memo:
23rd Rissoles
24th Curry (pork, batter and sausage-meat.)
25th 4.15 Dr Dickinson – Phil’s refill.
22nd – Heard of Mrs (Rita) Mash’s death.
Sunday 4.15 Brain’s Trust.
Alys feeing sickish all week.
Sunday 27th September 1942
Very fine day. Frost early.
Miserable letter from Dennis. Phil out in hut in sun and outdoors in p.m. (by steps and seat). I in garden apples. Blain’s in at 10,12 and 3 for call from Peggy at Cambridge. Alys cooked beef, beans – very good. Yorkshire pudding, apples. Phil in to dinner and in bed at 5, after tea and Brains Trust (4.15). In garden, cutting lonicera, by apples on wall and cutting raspberries from lupins. Are you sure.
Monday 28th September 1942
Dull.
In garden, weeding and doing raspberries. Phil’s 29th birthday. He in bed until dinner and then down and a fire lighted for treat (1st this autumn). Phil in hut p.m. Made syrup for bees and Blain and I put it in. Picked peas for storing and seed with D’Ell. Tongue for supper.
Tuesday 29th September 1942
Dullish. Fine early.
Picked grapes and montbretia for Morrell all a.m. Phil dressed and in hut. Cold beef and lovely salad with tomatoes. To Gell and Blain’s in p.m. Red Cross. Alys and Phil walk in fields. Elliot from Craddock’s, Hartforth came 6.30 and told us all about apples. Baden. D’Ell and I gave him Alys’ 50 cigarettes. Brains Trust.
Wednesday 30th September 1942
Fog. Fine in p.m.
To Barn. I by 10 bus. No fish. Got sweets with coupons. Back by 11.10 bus. Got cabbage and shredded it. Good stew by Alys. To Dimmock’s and Musgrave. Holt and Barnes out. Phil cleaning lathe. He and Alys for walk. Made plan of apple trees. Crossword. (D’Ell doing white chrysanthemums).
Thursday 1st October 1942
Very fine day. Phil in hut and did bees.
Picked apples with D’Ell – “Reverend Wilks” and other soft non-keepers. Vegetable marrows in. Alys stuffed one. Very good for dinner. To Holt and Barnes and took onions and plums to Dimmock’s. Picked flowers after tea. Chrysanthemums, montbretia, cape gooseberries. D’Ell had picked damsons from orchard and arranged apples in stove. Phil brought in 17lb honey in wild “comb”.
Friday 2nd October 1942
Mild. Fair.
Picked grapes for Morrell. Did laundry. Robinson on came. All p.m. D’Ell and I picked damsons and plums in orchard (pigs in hut). Phil fed bees after dinner. Robinson came at 5 for fruit. Phil and I checking apple trees by plan. Peacock for parsley. Tied raspberries. Talked to Ken. Cooked eggs with kidneys and biscuits with cheese.
Saturday 3rd October 1942
Mild. Fair.
Cleaned up Zeus’ lobby (sick) and swept arcade. In garden and did a few raspberry canes. Alys made vegetable curry of cabbage and potato and bits, sausage meat. Blain cleaned flues so Phil’s bath late. Cut grass and creepers by Hebe and weeds. A captain came about quarters. Alys and Phil to Road End. Zeus took cheese but enough left for cauliflower au gratin.
Memo:
3rd Phil rested outdoors.
Phil taking aspirin 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
27th Frost in night. Hot sun day.
Sunday 4th October 1942
Perfect day.
in garden apples to pick up. Raspberries to tie up. Mint and apple for cooking. Alys did roast lamb, marrow, baked apples. Phil too hot in sun, in hut. Did some raspberries in p.m. and various jobs in garden. Phil sawed off creeper by porch and then in top room. Tunny-fish for supper.
Monday 5th October 1942
Perfect day.
Phone soldiers coming in today. Busy preparing, but I at 11.15 with the Barnes to Darlington. Hair at Binn’s at 12. Lear’s. Lunch Carrick’s. 1/3 to Mr McCrae, 39 Stanhope Road 2.30 At 3 he examined my eyes £2.2.0. To Garage. David Barnes drove back, by Cleasby. Tea. A wire from Kitty – “Edward died peacefully today”. Out with dogs, pigs taken from orchard. Eva phoned. Teddy posted to Gerrards Cross.
Tuesday 6th October 1942
Fine day.
In garden and picked grapes. Alys and Phil to Richmond in car, haircut and bee sugar. Wrote Kit. Captain Yeoman in and arranging rooms with men. Miss Peacock in. Stove out. Phil re-lighted it. Alys phoned Eva. No plans yet. News and crossword.
Wednesday 7th October 1942
Fair.
Hodgson talk with Phil. Picked Lane’s Prince Albert and St Edmund russet apples and French beans. In p.m. to Holt, Dimmock, Barnes. Cooked “mock crab” for supper. Phone calls for Major Wilson. To Pringle’s to tell D’Ell about coming in. News and Macbeth. Gielgud and Frangcon Davies.
Dieppe prisoners manacled.
Thursday 8th October 1942
Fine. Cold.
Captain Yeoman in to phone 9 a.m. I to Barnard Castle 10 bus. Got kippers. Failed gloves and optician. Back 11.40. D’Ell to Elliot for lettuces by bus. Mrs Craddock. Officer’s in phoning a lot. Brigadier came. D. Simpson and Peacock came (gave Peacock onions). Mr Booth (Rev Horace) to tea. Hot bath! Phil hot shower.
Friday 9th October 1942
Fair. Windy.
Morrell early. Helped in potting shed. Did laundry. Phil dressed for breakfast and hot bath! I to Richmond 11.45 to spend clothing coupons. Stockings also gloves. Grouse from Officers. Picked Newton Wonders with D’Ell. Alys got grapes for officers. Clipped hedge. Crossword. No bath.
Saturday 10th October 1942
Fine. “Apple gale”.
In garden gathering Bramley seedlings with D’Ell, and in p.m. Ken and Nancy helped. Me to pick Lord Derbys and Keswick Codlins and windfalls (and Bismarks). Phil put bees from little hive in next one. Wrote Dennis for magnifier. Bath at 6.20. Alys made rabbit dumplings. Oxtail for supper.
Memo:
7th Pandas came in R.H.A.
5th Edward Buchanan died
5th Macrae 2.30 Hair 12 Binns.
Pickin 8th
5th Teddy posted to staff college at Gerrards Cross – 26th.
Sunday 11th October 1942
Perfect day.
Phil doing boat plan in top room. Out picking up apples. Alys cooked beef, Yorkshire pudding, vegetable marrow. Tied up raspberries after dinner. In doing plan of apple-trees in garden. Alys wrote Kit again. Shut houses up. Alys did stuffed tomatoes. I did Welsh Rarebit and Phil grilled it. Are you sure. No baths – cold. Washed and ironed socks.
Monday 12th October 1942
Fair.
Out getting a few apples. Alys and Blain to Richmond (Blain to dentist). Alys for Phil’s rations. I cooked beetroot and chocolate mousse. Potatoes, lettuce. In p.m. apple-storing – Newton Wonders. Nancy and Rona helped. Wardle to talk to Phil (6 till 7.20). Grilled roes on toast. Bath at 6.
Tuesday 13th October 1942
Perfect.
Up at 5.15 and 7.25 to Zeus a.m. Getting chrysanthemums for Morrell. Phil and Blain got outhouse for flowers. Coal came. Morrell at 2. Picked Lord Derbys and D’Ell picked Bramleys. Wrote about pig and poultry rations and to Doz. Cooked Mock Crab but it curdled. Helped Alys put Phil a bed in other room, for noise.
Wednesday 14th October 1942
Mild. Fair.
I to Barnard Castle 10 to get spectacles (Eva’s) but closed. Got herrings and mustard. To Dimmock, Holt, Barnes, Gell and Musgrave in p.m. – Savings Groups. Phil cleaned cosy-stove (hall) with brush electrically. Phil’s bed moved again to Aly’s room. I had bath at 5.45. Grilled herring and ham toasts.
Nazi advances in Stalingrad, but still holding out.
Thursday 15th October 1942
Lovely day. Gale 30 hours.
Alys feeling coldy. Went out and found D’Ell weepy and over-strained. Baden and Nancy took barrow-load of wind-blown apples to 8 cottages. I picked up and sorted Phil picked Victoria plums in orchard. Walked along wall. D’Ell roped onions. Wrote p.m. Officers Royal Engineers to tea (from Colonel Adami). Picked chrysanthemums. D’Ell rested all p.m. Stewed plums. Got brawn. Good War Commentary. Lewis Hastings, Major.
Friday 16th October 1942
Fine. Mild.
Morrell; then laundry. Out picking up apples. Letter from Kit about Eva going there, perhaps. Wrote Lois and pig ration form. Got tea. Alys to Whitehouse about D’Ell board. 15/- weekly. Tied up raspberries. Phil cut buddleia. Lovely milk soup; and beans. Supper.
Saturday 17th October 1942
Fair. Mild.
Nancy helping D’Ell. Rat trap set up in peach house. Alys cooked mutton cauliflower. Baked apples. I to Richmond 2.45. To Cooper & Leatherbarrow. Paid £2 for spectacles. 3.45 back. Very crowded busses. Alys sent honey to Dennis Phil and I put wire netting round ponds for leaves. Alys cycled East Layton for letter Dennis. Dennis phoned from Phillip’s flat. Riversmead.
Memo:
15th Apples to villagers
17th Apples to soldiers
14th D’Ell to Aske Hall Show with Savery.
15th Wrote Pickin and Motor Policies with cheques.
Sunday 18th October 1942
Very mild. Fair.
Rat killed in trap in peach house. Baden and Arnold set it again. They picked grapes for Balin’s, picked tomatoes. Wrote Kit in p.m. Alys and I polished cosy-stove (Hall). Picked up dark apples in orchard. Clipped hedge back drive, Phil lathe a lot. Welsh rarebit grilled. Are you sure.
Monday 19th October 1942
Very mild. Fair.
In garden. Hoed broccoli. Shelled seed peas (dried) with D’Ell. Alys doing shepherd’s pie and castle pudding. Tidied toy book drawer (Berry). Picked chrysanthemums and apples, orchard. Captain Reynolds phoning so sat in Phil’s room and talked about Walsh. All to bed early 9.30.
Tuesday 20th October 1942
Dullish. Rain in evening.
Alarum 6 a.m. Alys and Phil off at 7.50 to Darlington in car. Blain with them; back and worked with Atkinson, Anderson’s and greenhouse roof. Morrell at 2.00. I bunched chrysanthemums all a.m. Wrote Ella, posted and Phil’s books. Made milk and potato soup. Toasted cheese for supper. Brains Trust and talk on Smuts.
Wednesday 21st October 1942
Fine. Lovely.
Indoors cooking porridge and tomatoes for dinner. Phone calls for army. D’Ell in while I to call for groups. She with me to Holt’s. Then she shelling dried peas here. Made soup with beetroot and Welsh Rarebit. Smuts’ speech at 9 o’clock – 10. Blain at Layton fields.
We attack in Egypt – 24th news.
Thursday 22nd October 1942
Dullish. Mild.
Made porridge and cooked Brussels sprouts; first picking them. D’Ell shook down the last damsons. Regurgitation of bile? Made curry of mutton. D’Ell in and I to Dimmock’s and then called on Mrs Pringle and paid 15/0 till next Thursday. 30/- altogether. Clipped hedge. Noel and Rona there. Miss Peacock came about apple chutney. Took onions. Upstairs for Helmore Commentary. Brawn supper. Trafalgar Day songs by allied sailors.
Friday 23rd October 1942
Fair. Mild.
Got vinegar and sugar for Mrs Barnes to make apple chutney. Morrell came. Cooked haddock in milk and onion sauce. Wrote Alys. A requisitioning officer came; Captain Reynolds brought him in. Hunter came with 5 gallons paraffin. Butcher with steak. Wrote Smallholder about tomatoes in Camden and to Elsa. D’Ell to Barnes and Foxhall. Salisbury Plain Barnes’ radio.
Saturday 24th October 1942
Fine. Perfect.
Paid wages to Blain and D’Ell. Had fish in cheese sauce. Over to garden twice. Picked some tomatoes. Old Binks came (Jack Thompson prisoner in Italy). Cooked “Hamburger Steak” with Stokes cooker. Miss Peacock and Noel came with apple chutney. Had junket and plums (the very last). Phone calls all day for army.
Memo:
2nd Wrote Alys letter with 23 battery
21st Spectacles came in
Mrs Pringle paid to 15th for Dorothy Ellerton – 15/- per week.
23rd Wrote Elsa
Major Wilson, Captain Reynolds “Poor You”.
Egypt – slight advance and prisoners taken 2 miles.
Sunday 25th October 1942
Lovely day a.m. Dull and rain evening.
Gave tomatoes and onions to Wardle. In garden Baden there; gave tomatoes and we picked up apples in orchard. Cold beef steak and hot Brussels sprouts and potatoes with apple chutney. Radio play “Shoemaker” Dekker with Ralph Richardson. Sewed elastic belt on green corduroy zip coat. Clipped hedge. Ena Musgrave for onions, tomatoes. Tried pancake and grilled it with jam. Cold sausage and salad. Shelled dried peas while news. D’Ell in 9.30.
Monday 26th October 1942
Dullish. Sun early.
D’Ell shelled dried peas in sitting room. I swept and cleaned alcove and hall a bit. Stewed meat and vegetables. Wrote Kit and Mrs Ellerton (for ham slices). Put more hay in hay box and got hatbox down and made it a hay box. Made veg soup and put it in. Did batter and sausage with Stokes. Major Wilson in twice to phone 7.45 and 8.15.
Tuesday 27th October 1942
Fine. Cool
Bunched chrysanthemums for Morrell. Cleaned Zeus’ room. Swept it, only. Did mince and sprouts and potatoes and apples. Did up socks and envelopes and wrote Alys and to post with them. Made girdle cakes for tea. Clipped hedge. Boldin called. Talked of Cooper’s. Made vegetable soup and vegetable au gratin.
Wednesday 28th October 1942
Very fine. Cold.
Out and cut grapes. Cleaned in bathroom. Cold mince and mixed raw salad – beet, sprouts, lettuce, potatoes. Stewed apples. D’Ell in shelling broad beans while I to Dimmock’s (gave me 2 ginger biscuits and recipe). Holt, Barnes, Musgrave, O’Brien. Cauliflower cheese under grill and apples with grill too. Julian Huxley on Darwin. Sewed gloves.
Stalingrad, holding out.
Thursday 29th October 1942
Dark. Warmer.
Dusted hall; soldier swept top stairs down. Wrote Alys. Much army phoning all day. To Road End for brawn and beef. Lunch shredded cabbage for coleslaw. Made vegetable soup from rest of salad. Just doing crepes (Elise’s recipe) when Peacock an Noel in with washing, and took stone apples (eating) for 7/6. Sewed glove in evening.
Friday 30th October 1942
Dull. Cold.
At 3 a.m. was sick 3 or 4 times. Got up 8.15 only porridge. Did laundry and sat with hot-bottle (no fire) till 11 or so, then back to bed (sick again) and stayed there till 5. Dorothy Ellerton had been indoors for laundry man and butcher. Came down at 5 and sat by electric stove. Captain Reynolds in phoning. Ate bread and milk and Bovril. To bed at 8.30. D’Ell to Ireland’s (gave me orange – marvellous).
Saturday 31st October 1942
Dullish. Some sun.
Up at 8.45, much better. Porridge only for breakfast. Wrote Doz, Alys (with Eva’s letter). 2 kippers for dinner. Zeus (unwell for 2 days) quite all right again. I had Cosy stove and cooked chops, sausages on it. Supper of tomato and cutlet under Stokes (Dutch oven).
Memo:
28th Phil to Smart “Quite alright”
Scratchitis quite bad – hips, foot and oozey – 27th and 28th
25th Electric stove in evening
29th Pringle paid till 15/-for D’Ell. Rents.
We advance, and tanks engage (Egypt).
Sunday 1st November 1942
Drizzly, not cold.
Didn’t feel fit yet. No appetite. Finished “Death dines out”. Theodore Dubois. Good U.S.A. No Sunday Express. Bovril and Ryvita at 1.20. Bread and milk at 5. To gardens in a.m. Brought bay, grapes and tomatoes. Made milk and potatoe soup for supper. Washed dishcloths. Sewed gloves. Washed coal-gloves. D’Ell back at 9 p.m. Fire.
Monday 2nd November 1942
Mild, fair. No sun but light.
Felt better all day. Found cosy stove bar broken. .Out in potato house with D’Ell. Cold cutlet and potato, stewed apple and junket. Mr Hodgson at 2.15 to pay rent and talked. Sewed gloves, cut out cheap one. Welsh rarebit with dried egg under Stokes. Major Wilson in to phone.
Tuesday 3rd November 1942
Dull. Fair.
To greenhouses, cut grapes. Back and after housework, bunched chrysanthemums for Morrell. Sold him 10lb tomatoes 14/-. Cold cutlet and sausage. Wrote advert for engine and sent in to Darlington and Stockton Times with 39 stamps (Phil’s advert). Letter to Alys at Kitty’s. Fire in Cosy Stove. Cooked tomatoes and onion and meat in Dutch oven. Major Wilson phoning so upstairs during Brains Trust.
Wednesday 4th November 1942
Perfect day. Frost a.m.
Cleaned Zeus’ room, washed porch. He’d bitten matting. In p.m. to Holt, Dimmock, Musgrave (Barnes out). To garden. Did fried bacon and eggs for supper and then toasted cheese (Stokes). D’Ell to Whist Drive at East Layton. Paid Pringle till 12th for D’Ell.
Rommel’s Africa Corps in full retreat – 5th.
Thursday 5th November 1942
Dull, cool, Rain in evening (cosy stove).
Cleaning in Phil’s room; also top room, staircase and corridors, hall. To get brawn at Road End. In p.m. made ginger-cakes – Dimmock recipe. Baked apples and bottle tomatoes, all in oven. (1st time I’ve used it). Wrote lettercard to Alys. Mrs Barnes and Noel with washing – 2 soldiers helped. D’Ell to dig potatoes all p.m. Elgey in about Dobbinson keeping hens in wood. Mrs Gell came with rent. War Commentary about Laval and France.
Friday 6th November 1942
Lovely day. Not cold (no fire).
Morrell (no fish!) came. Very busy cleaning pantry. Alys phoned from Sherrington at 1 – postponing return (not well). Laundry and Hunter and Butcher came. Wrote Mr Booth about Elgey and Dobbinson. Wrote Kit (returning her early letters to Eddy). Soldiers again helped Dell with potatoes and apples. I cooked chop, tomatoes, onion (Stokes).
Saturday 7th November 1942
Lovely day.
Dusted halls and Phil’s and Alys’ rooms. Also floor sitting room. Out to houses and disbudded some chrysanthemums. Jewell and Nutting and Newman in to phone. Gave requisition papers back to Major Wilson for corrections. Stephenson and Binks for tomatoes at 1/8 2 soldiers helped D’Ell cut apples down. Made salad dressing. Cooked cutlets and sausages, Dutch oven and Stokes.
Memo:
2nd Hodgson’s rent 2.2.30 here.
3 times Cosy stove this week.
3rd tomatoes up to 1/8 from 1/3
Newman – Nutting (big sergeant).
U.S.A. Troops landed in North Africa – Algiers. Oran. – 9 a.m. News.
Sunday 8th November 1942
Perfect day.
Out in garden. D’Ell only down to breakfast at 9.40! Cleaned a bit, laid fire. Cold lunch and salad. Cleaned in bathroom. 3 soldiers digging in garden in p.m.! D’Ell knitting, 2 mice caught in apple store. Listened all News. All good. At least 40,000 prisoners in Egypt. P.S. by Mrs Roosevelt 9.15. Sewed mittens.
Monday 9th November 1942
Perfect.
Cleaned bath, cooked turnip! In p.m. did sitting-room and 1st floor passage with Hoover. 2 soldiers helped D’Ell in garden. Mr Metcalfe called about engine, in answer to Ad. Made ginger cakes and baked apples. Very many phone calls for soldiers. Dennis phoned – Alys not coming Tuesday. Pains still. Sewed mittens of lambswool in evening.
Tuesday 10th November 1942
Fine day. Rain in evening.
In garden, picked asparagus. Berries for Morrell. Bunched them and bulrush. Bacon and egg dinner, baked apple. New officer O’Shea came. Made cheese spread. Miss Holt’s recipe. Sardines for supper. Brains Trust and News with speech by Churchill about Lord Mayor’s Banquet.
Wednesday 11th November 1942
Fine day.
“O” Battery R.H.A. marched out at 12. Major Wilson said goodbye. Atkinson to help Blain with old engine, and Metcalfe came in p.m. and bought it. Cheque £25. D’Ell in, in p.m. while I to Dimmock’s, Gell’s, Elgey’s. Captain Taylor in and Lieutenant O’Shea and Lieutenant Hudson. Egg and bacon lunch. Sardines on toast supper. Churchill’s speech to House of Commons.
Germans into unoccupied France. We retake Tobruk 13th. Allied Forces in to Tunisia.
Thursday 12th November 1942
Mild. Rain a.m. and fair later.
Lieutenant Whitcombe asked for fruit for mess. Cleaning a bit – brasses. To get brawn, not there, so scrambled egg at 1.45, toast and jam. Made scones and Sarah’s little cakes for tea. To greenhouses to close; and picked white chrysanthemums. D’Ell away 2.30 to go home and see sister in hospital. Paid her her wages. Mrs Barnes came 5.40 with sheets and 2 cutlets! Gave her some onions. Captain Taylor in to phone. Brawn (Rona brought), raw sprout salad, apple snow.
Friday 13th November 1942
Perfect. Hot sun, frost in a.m.
Morrell only apples and white chrysanthemums. Sat on steps in sun and mended Zeus’ basket before and after dinner (Filleted plaice and raw sprout salad, apple sauce and Standen cakes! Alys phoned – not returning for fortnight. Dr Warner. Wrote to her and to Nora Ireland about working. To gardens twice. Picked up apples. Cutlet and tomatoes and potatoes and fish soup. Sewed mittens. Lieutenant O’Shea in to phone.
Saturday 14th November 1942
Perfect.
Out to gardens. Cooked ½ leg of mutton and brussel sprouts and baked potatoes, round joint and baked apples. Lovely lunch! Quite success. Washed vest and stockings. To garden and picked up apples. To meet 4.15 bus and Miss Hodges brought my sweet ration. Sausages too. Wrote Eva. Cooked cheese sauce (on plaice) and grilled it.
Memo:
11th “O” Battery went. “P” battery came (Byrne), Mr Cochrane – young gentleman.
Pringle paid till 12th – Ellerton
10th Blain covered bees in quilts
11th Wrote Doz with Wavell cutting.
Sunday 15th November 1942
Bacon and sausage. Out to garden with dogs . Wireless very bad (new high tension needed). Quiet day, reading papers. Cold mutton, cold vegetable salad, chocolate junke. Cosy Stove alight. Colonel Hemming in to phone. No tea but large supper 7. Vegetable soup, cutlet (Dutch oven), fried potatoes, baked apple. D’Ell back 9.20.
Monday 16th November 1942
Perfect.
In garden. Some housework. Colonel Hemming in again to phone. Blain in car to Jackson’s for paint and to get high tension battery for Philco radio and torch batteries and bulbs. Made stew in p.m. and stewed apples, made porridge. Wrote Alys returning Kit’s letter and Eva’s lettercards. Lieutenant Price in and talked a lot. Commander Kimmins on the landings at Algiers.
Tuesday 17th November 1942
Perfect.
Out in potato house. Mats there. O’Shea in about latrines and field. Made curry; haybox. Cold meat, chutney (apple) and salad. Coffee junket. Morrell. D’Ell dealt with him. Parcels (honey, 2 jams) and Alys’ dress and gloves and nighty done up and to post. Fire lighted at 5 p.m. Nora to say couldn’t work here. Curry and apples (stewed). Brains Trust. Bad. Reception. Washed bee-feeders.
Wednesday 18th November 1942
Fine.
Cleaned my room a bit. Laid fire. Dusted hall. Stewed apples. In p.m. to Dimmock’s and then wrote Alys. To O’Brien after. Hot bath at 6.10. Warmed up curry for supper. Lighted fire at 5.30. (no tea). Warmed up meat and made junket after supper.
Thursday 19th November 1942
Perfect day. Cold.
Blain told me of leak in water pipe. Busy cleaning sitting room and then making vegetable soup and junket for Mr Booth. Blain met him 11.20 and he came to lunch 1.25. I fetched brawn. Salad, stewed apples and junket, biscuits and cheese. Took him into Officer’s Anteroom, and then to see the extra rooms requisitioned. Mrs Barnes in at 6 with sheets and bacon and ham! Helmore talk after news.
Friday 20th November 1942
Lovely day.
Morrell brought dried haddock. Rang up Jackson about electric bulbs and also Coz-Walker. Talked Lieutenant Shea about returning 16 bulbs. Cooked haddock in milk and margarine. Did up book of Skin Disease pictures and sent Phil. Couldn’t find automatic pencil he asked for. Hot bath at 6.35. Brawn and salad and toast and jam. Lieutenant Price in to phone and stayed for News 9. (Butcher brought sirloin).
Saturday 21st November 1942
Very fine. Cold. Duller p.m.
Dusted and cleaned Zeus’ porch room and sitting-room. Warmed up haddock and crepes for lunch. Washed clothes. Cooked Dimmock’s ginger cakes and Durham Sly cake (with apple pie). Officers all to Morritt (Torrid, Hudson) Arms.
Memo:
16th Message from Aunt Bella
16th Tit took nut from hand and on 17th – 1st time since spring.
15th Cosy Stove (1st time since 5th).
19th Mr Booth
18th To Pringle’s – paid for Dorothy Ellerton till 26th November.
Marvellous offensive of Russia relieves Stalingrad.
51,000 – 36,000 Nazi prisoners.
Sunday 22nd November 1942
Fine. Cold.
Laid fire. Talked to O’Shea a bout George Buchanan. Prepared vegetable marrow in Dutch oven, potatoes round. Boiled marrow. Warmed up apple Sly cake. Wrote Alys, at Kitty’s. Wrote Jackson later. Mended cloth. In garden. Picked up apples. Cooked apples on Cosy Stove. Lieutenant Whitcombe in for News.
Monday 23rd November 1942
Mild. Fair.
P. Battery phoning all a.m. I washed nightgown and combs (hair combs) and sleeping net. Ireland brought a load of line. In p.m. I took a swab of exudation and did up and posted to Dennis. Two officers came about extra requisitioning. Took them over house. Cold sausages and baked apples (Dutch oven). Play “Utopia Next Stop ”.
Tuesday 24th November 1942
Mild. Dullish.
Did cleaning in sitting-room and Zeus’ room. Fried potatoes and cold beef and cabbage salad. Made milk and potato soup for supper. Ironed black coat hem (I hemmed it up after supper during Brains Trust). Lieutenant Whitcombe in for News, and till 9.50. Father, uncles and brother in army.
Wednesday 25th November 1942
Dull.
Morrell mistake of 10/- in bill. Hoover on upstairs landing and corridor as dark a.m. Minced beef and stuffed marrow, in oven, also apples and pears for baking. In p.m. to Barnes (David gave 2 cutlets, I gave onions) and Holt, Dimmock, Gell, O’Brien. Mrs Pringle sent cheese biscuits.
Thursday 26th November 1942
Mildish, dull.
Permit came for taking up road. Phoned Road Survey several times, also Paxton. Cooked mince. Patched sheet. Wrote Alys. Out fetching brawn – cutting ivy on path, trying to get wallflowers. Dorothy to Stanwix. Miss Peacock and Noel in and stayed a good time. Did cutlets in Dutch oven. Finished washleather gloves.
Friday 27th November 1942
Mild. Dark.
Morrell came (no fish). Did sweeping on staircases. Brawn and raw sprouts and baked apple. Very dark, so hovered in Zeus’ room and sitting-room and on top-room landings. Round garden with dogs in dusk. Made ginger cakes. Made sort of chowder for supper – milk, potatoes, mince, sprouts, onions.
Saturday 28th November 1942
Fine. Getting colder.
All a.m., cleaning pantry shelves and floor. D‘Ell to Richmond to see Mrs Bigg but back (dance at Dalton). I cleaned bath and to Mrs Pringle’s for rent and to pay for D’Ell till 3rd. To Blain’s for bread. Officer Lieutenant Forster in about extra ground. Fried potato with anchovy and sausage. Stewed apples. Sewed glove in evening. Captain Taylor phoned to Liverpool.
Memo:
20th Began Dennis’ pills (for skin)
22nd Fresh battery – Philco
Phil’s refill 25th
Wason “Duty off”
26th Paid till 3rd
Sunday 29th November 1942
Dull, mildish.
Polished floors pantry. Zeus’ room and sitting-room. Cooked cutlets in oven and made pastry (much too rich) with apple puree inside. Sprouts. Wrote Kitty (shingles at Kath’s). In garden hoe-ing moss off paths. No tea. Cleaned stove and filled tank with paraffin. Churchill spoke at 9. Ralph Richardson after news in Dr Faustus (Marlowe).
Monday 30th November 1942
Perfect. Colder.
Pigs out! Blain and Atkinson and 4 gunners dug street to find pipe leak. I dusted Alys’ and other room. Washed pantry. Went on cleaning. Blain in car to meet Alys at 3.45. Richmond and get bee sugar. Got coffee ready. Mrs Gell in with her rent. Alys and I had tea and talked. Soup and boiled eggs. Slept in Phil’s room. Very cold.
Tuesday 1st December 1942
Dull, showers, finer, cold.
Alys busy writing cheques for bills and letters – a.m. and p.m. I made dinner of old meatchop and vegetables and brussels sprouts and apples. In garden. D’Ell digging in her new breeches. Blain with soldiers and Paxton did leak in water main under street. Brain’s Trust and Explosives Talk.
Wednesday 2nd December 1942
Very cold and fine.
I to Barnard Castle at 10. T Bank and to post Alys’ parcel to Dennis. Got sweet ration. Alys cooked rabbit for dinner – delicious. To Holt’s, Dimmock’s, Dobbinson and O’Brien (Barnes out). Alys round potting shed and houses with D’Ell. “The Plain” on radio. Stonehenge.
Thursday 3rd December 1942
Very cold and fine.
Did laundry and mendes heet. Alys and I moved cradles from Eva’s bedroom to Bewley’s room, top-room. Alys to call on Mrs Pringle, who out. Swept bathroom. Alys to fetch brawn with dogs and got wood. Alys made scones. Miss Peacock with laundry. Spaghetti. Lovely. Lewis Hastings War Commentary.
Friday 4th December 1942
Fog. Frost. Dark.
Alys doing up parcels to send to Ashridge and Sherrington. Morrell (no fish). Blain took down stair carpets (to top-room). Brown. Made soup of rabbit gravy and spaghetti. Sergeant Major in and Alys paid him £1.12.0 for men digging road up. Made ginger-cakes for tea. Sardines under grill for supper (with soup first). Alys ordered coke (and coal).
Saturday 5th December 1942
Showers. Milder.
Alys and I to Richmond in car. Bought diary. Chocolate biscuits with points for Berry’s. Posted parcels for Alys. To Smallway’s for petrol – 2 gallons and 2 gallons at Richmond too. Back 1.30. Sausage, brawn and cocoa. Opened gunroom cupboard. Got oil out! Hodgson came with rent (for last Monday due). Alys made Kromeskies of sausage meat for supper.
Memo:
30th Street to be dug up for main.
Alys at 3.45 at Richmond
3rd Pickin’s rent £5.12.0.
Sunday 6th December 1942
Dark, mild.
Alys busy doing parcels and I sewed up some. Coffee, sugar, honey, Phil’s rubber boots. Alys cooked sirloin beef and pastry (lemon curd tart and jam – very good). Busy all p.m. with mendings. I had hot bath at 3.30. Much warmer.
Monday 7th December 1942
Very mild. Fine. Gale in evening.
Alarum at 6.15 (Alys said ought to be 6 next time). Breakfast 6.45. About 7.45 car and Alys to Darlington. Blain drove as dark. Blain posted parcels and back by Richmond for pig-killing license. I tied up and out and picked dark red chrysanthemums and asparagus, berries. Bunched them. Lit fire at 4.30. Washed vest, gloves. Sardines and ham. Alys to Bridgwater Hotel for night. Mrs Barnes hot bath.
Tuesday 8th December 1942
Very mild. No fire. Electric stove 7.30
Out wand cut some asparagus down. In jam room. Morrell at 1.30. Baked apples and vegetable marrow. Did up 8 apples and sent to Dennis in brown paper and recipes to Alys. To Mrs Pringle – to pay for D’Ell. To Elgey’s for Red Cross and took bill. To Mrs Blain – paid for bread. Tidied drawers looking for scissors. Grilled bacon. Brain’s Trust.
Wednesday 9th December 1942
Very mild and fine. No fire.
Battery away by 8 a.m. (all but a few in yard). Wrote Doz. Prepared curry. Cold beef and fried vegetables for dinner. To Dimmock, Holt, Barnes, Gell, Dobbinson and O’Brien for Savings Groups and Red Cross 1d. Mrs Barnes gave me lovely thin ginger biscuits for tea. Sewed Zeus’ red cover and my old Mattamac zip. Vegetable marrow au gratin. The Finger of Kurt Spiegel on radio.
Thursday 10th December 1942
Mild. Windy showers . No fire or heat till 9 p.m.
D’Ell scraping vine. Out there. Dusted. Did laundry. Coat came. Wrote Pickin with rent and Mr Booth and Ella. Miss Peacock and Eric came (curry for dinner, milk soup, brawn and prunes for supper). Mrs Blain came for bowl of salt. Mended. War Commentary by Cyril Falls of Times.
Friday 11th December 1942
Rain, dark. Fine p.m. Fire.
Tried to get wooden box ready to send honey and Nestle’s and broke Phil’s file! Very unhappy at crass stupidity. Dug solid honey out of small pots; put in tin. Blain about ram. Philco battery came back. Butcher didn’t come. Arnold got tinned milk. Did Mess Account for fruit and vegetables. Officers back and supper. Up till 12.45 or later. I read in bed. Nicholas Nickleby till then.
Saturday 12th December 1942
Perfect day. Mild. Fine in p.m.
Did up box with honey and Nestle’s and dried milk and sent to Alys at Sherrington. In apple room with D’Ell. She pruned vines. Soaked oxtail. Made scones and ruff-puff pastry. Be-Ro Recipe. Bacon and egg and prunes, dinner. Sausages supper. Lieutenant Whitcomb in about account (he gave me matches 1/-). Peeled and stewed apples on Cosy Stove..
Memo:
12th Received petrol coupons – 9 gallons. 9 units for January, February, March.
Wrote Doz 10th. Wrote Ella.
8th Alys to Eva’s at Sherrington
12th Ration period
8th Paid Pringle 37/- 2 weeks plus 3/6 – 2 weeks.
14th Rommel retreating from Agheila; we pursuing.
Sunday 13th December 1942
Rainy then fine in p.m. Very mild.
Dorothy Ellerton breakfast 12 o’clock after dance. Captain Taylor in to stay goodbye. Wrote Visitors’ Book. I cut up vegetables for oxtail soup and put it in Filled Stove with paraffin (big stove). Wrote Dennis. Out getting wood and cut bulrushes. Tidied drawers (needlework and writing) and tore up letters. Grilled steak at 8. Supper. “Trial by Jury” and Magic Mirror by Algernon Blackwood at 9 p.m. No fire, on electric.
Monday 14th December 1942
Fine. Mild. Fair. No fire.
D’Ell down at 9.10. after I’d begun breakfast. Lieutenant Hudson in about leaving. I wrote Mr Booth, and signed Requisition Paper (Ammunition Dump). Oxtail dump. Oxtail dinner. Cut holly and evergreens with D’Ell in p.m. Made bunch. Most of R.H.A. left in a.m. Only a few here. Oxtail and vegetable soup. Cold sausage. Teacake.
Tuesday 15th December 1942
Dark. Mild. Fire at 5 p.m.
No hot water. Nearly all R.H.A. gone. Out to cut white chrysanthemums and mauve ones and fern. Made “sheaf” on wire. D’Ell in to dinner (of oxtail) as Mrs Pringle’s door latched. Morrell came. Holly, eggs, rabbits, bulrushes. I walked to Corner’s and took “floral sheaf” for old Mr Corner’s funeral. Wrote Alys. Vegetables au gratin grilled. (no tea). Wrote Kit. Brain’s Trust.
Wednesday 16th December 1942
Rain. Mild. Fire 5 p.m.
Lieuteant Hadow in to “March Troops out” and pay mess bill for garden produce. I wrote Sissie. Blain in with man about electric lights for army. I wrote to Office Barracks about extra lights. To Dimmock, Holt, Barnes and Dobbinson. Made stew. D’Ell in to do our seed order from Finney’s list.
17th We cut off Panzers west of El Agheila.
Thursday 17th December 1942
Rainy and mild. Fire at 5. Fair in p.m.
Woke at 8.55. D’Ell also very late. Both breakfasting at 9.40! At 10.40 I (with Mrs Blain) in car to Richmond. Got Purimachos fire cement for chimney and file. Sweets, bread, sock pattern (Eve). In p.m. Blain to Corner’s funeral. Our coke arrived. Impossible take it to potting shed. Mud too deep from tanks. So it had to be dumped by rhododendrons near front drive!!! Wrote and posted seed order to Finney’s.
Friday 18th December 1942
Foggy. Cool. Fire on at 6.30.
Letter from Dennis, so did up some apples for posting. Did laundry. Made vegetable soup or stew. Teasdale man came to dismantle engine (sold one – Metcalfe). Sent New Year cards to W.B.Davis and Edith Bache. Hunter and Butcher came. Mrs Blain in, and we made bed up for Ken in Eva’s room. Post went early but Stephenson took apple parcel.
Saturday 19th December 1942
Damp. Mild.
Busy getting things together for pig-killing. Crock for fat. Basin and oatmeal for the blood. Laundry fire lighted, also boiler stove. Wardle at 12.30 to kill our pig. 3 to orchard. Moved books from hall with D’Ell’s help. Found Eva’s wardrobe back broke by soldiers. Alys phoned forom Sherrington at 1.0. Did up coffee and milk powder, and Mrs Blain took parcel to Richmond 2.45 bus. Got my lunch by 3 p.m. (bacon and egg). To Mrs Pringle to pay D’Ell’s board. Took sausages to Blain’s at 8. Mended Zeus’ basket. Ken slept here, as D’Ell home.
Memo:
15th Letter from Kitty. Wrote her 16th and Sissie
Pig to be killed 19th – Dressed weight 224lbs approximately.
Pringle paid to 24th – p.m.
Russians advancing and surrounding Nazis.
Sunday 20th December 1942
Mild, damp.
Got dinner of leg mutton (1/2) and vegetables round it (marrow, parsnip, potato). Cooked sprouts. Baked apples. Made cake. Wardle came to cut up pig. Sent of license about killing. Wrote to O.C.P. Battery complaining. Wrote Teeds and Minnie. Cooked pig’s liver and bacon and onions under grill. Prunes. D’Ell in about 9.45. Began socks – Eve.
Monday 21st December 1942
Gale. Mild.
D’Ell did cosy stove and scrubbed bathroom. Then she (helped by Mrs Blain) made black puddings. Sausage meat in kitchen. I to Wardle’s to tell him we would salt pig. Took 2lb honey and apples. Paid 7/6 for pig killing. Packed up chine and smalls (Arnold took to Ravensworth Post Office). Dinner at 2. Wrote Alys and sent it, and letter to O.C.P. Battery by soldier to be posted, as lost post here (went at 3.45). Grilled black pudding and sausage meat. Game of Love and Death Romain Rolland on radio.
Tuesday 22nd December 1942
Fine. Mild.
Got holly and evergreens with D’Ell for Morrell. Little pig came in. I caught him. Wrote Eva for Xmas with cheque £2. Sent of 7/6 to Red Cross for collection Rural Pennies. Bade and D’Ell helped with hoovering stair and other carpets. Baden salted pig. Sent 2lb honey to Ireland by D’Ell. Sausage meat and black pudding. Dinner mutton and vegetables and liver stew supper. Brain’s Trust.
Wednesday 23rd December 1942
Fine, mild. No fire.
Dell and I hoover stair carpets in top-room. She swept down stairs and later did Zeus’ room and pantry floor edge. I wrote Dennis. Took black pudding and sausage to Gell and Hodgson. Honey to Barnes. To Dimmock and Holt, Dobbinson. Curry and sprouts and mince pies (Barnes’). Supper. Wrote Amy Steel (for lovely parcel). Reverend Booth to tea.
Thursday 24th December 1942
Fine, very mild. No fire.
D’Ell gave me blotter and cake from Mrs Ellerton. Dorothy Ellerton cleaned sitting-room and finished pantry. I sewed binding on end of carpet for corridor and sitting-room things back. Dinner of crackling. Cold and prunes. D’Ell away home 2.30. I wrote Phil with his pound in it. Letter-cards to Lois and Lucy with calendars in them. In garden. Wrote Poz and Doz and began letter to Alys. Sausage meat fried and mince pie. War Commentary Lewis Hastings – gave presents to Baden to take. Ken came in at 10.50.
Friday 25th December 1942
Fine. Very mild. Fire 6.15.
Finished letter to Alys. Dusted halls and staircase. Read letters from Alys, Phil, Elsa and Boothy-boys. Mrs Blain brought chicken dinner in at 1.15. Plum pudding and mince pies – all very good. Got 6d from pudding! Out with dogs in fields and garden, weeding and forgot to listen in at 3 to King’s talk. Tidied laurels, that R.H.A. broke down. Made stew for supper and mince pies.
Saturday 26th December 194
White frost. Fine. Fog later.
Boiler stove alight. Cleared arcade end. Washed clothes and pantry shelves. Lighted cosy stove at 1 o’clock or so. Dried clothes by it. Miss Peacock and Noel in at 6.20. Stayed till 7.36. Gave onions, grilled chop and tomatoes and potatoes and Brussels sprouts, boiled on Cosy. Mended bed sock. Ironed nightly. The Frightened Lady (play) – Edgar Wallace till 10.35.
Memo:
Paid Wardle 7.6 for killing pig.
Paid to 23rd 18/6 Pringle and 1/6 for May dinner
15th and 13th Weekend.
24th Butcher
26th laundry
Hunter’s order for 30th
Rents 26th – 28th. Sun 4.15 Brain’s Trust.
Sunday 27th December 1942
Fair, mild, damp.
Wrote to Alys. Letter from Dennis. Cinders out – did fire. Dusted. Warmed up chicken and gravy. Read papers; out to potting shed and in apple room. Listened to Brains Trust again, for fairy godmother question. Welsh rarebit and Mrs Wardle’s mince pies. School for Scandal. Mended woollies.
Monday 28th December 1942
Very mild. Showers.
Captain Urquhart. R.A. came in and talked. Introduced Lieutenant ?, sleeping here tonight. Made leek soup. Opened spam from Amy Steel and with sprouts for lunch. To Hodson, Gell, Pringle for rents and long talk with Hodgson. Out to post “Looking for Trouble”. but no post at 4.45. Lighted cosy at 5. Soup, sardines on toast, mince pie. Put sugar out for Mrs Wardle.
Tuesday 29th December 1942
Sunny. Much colder. Windy.
Up at 7 – Kim. Cleaned cosy stove for an hour. Wrote Mr Booth and sent Schedule back. D’Ell back at 1.30. Had Spam by fire. Sold Morrell 3 dozen eggs – 9/3. To Dobbinson’s with 10/- 6d stamps. Raked paths in garden and to apple room. Cut off pork and roast and grilled it and had sprouts and potatoes too. Very good.
Wednesday 30th December 1942
Very cold. Snow in night.
Kim howling at 7.50, went down at 8.25 to him. Dorothy Ellerton laid and lighted fire, dusted room. Wrote Alys. Arnold took “Looking for Trouble” to East Layton to post. Pork in Dutch oven. Wrote Lois. To Dimmock, Holt, Barnes, Dobbinson. No tea. Sardines on toast. Barnes’ shortbread and stewed apples. Kim out late so to bed at 10.45.
Buna-Gona done it.
Poets at Play – Methuen 6/-
Thursday 31st December 1942
Fine. Not so cold.
D’Ell laid and lighted cosy again. Did up apples for post. Made artichoke soup. Wrote C.B. Davey. In garden, gathered old stuff for bonfire. Eric with Keith for apples and after with Frank. I posted apples to Dennis and sugar (Mink) to Alys 4.10. Sausages for supper and salad (cooked sprouts) grated carrot. Talk on Italy. D’Ellerton and Blain’s at Pringle’s till 1 a.m. I had hot bath. 10.30 and to sleep.
Memo:
29th or 30th Write Lois. 30 Hunter
30th Another Battery R.A. comes in.
27th Brains Trust 4.15.
The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate 