In 1951, Kate is 72 years old and Alys is 67 years old. Eva is 42 years old and Philip is 38 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son). James is 13 years old (Eva and Teddy’s son) and Eve (Eva and Teddy’s’ daughter (my mother)) is 11 years old.
This Diary Belongs to:
Katharine Boyd
12 Grove Road
Northwood
Middlesex
Tel: Northwood 1356
And
119 Bickenhall Mansions
Baker Street, W.1.
Tel: Welbeck 6522
No reply yet from Crepex. Sent 2/6 stamps.
Monday 1st January 1951
Dark and snowing a.m. Sunny later, lovely.
Heavy snowfall – Phil took Mandy to his room and tried to get Teddy‘s battery. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. I swept snow a bit. Alys to shops on foot in p.m. Phil home at 3.30. Eva phoned. “Memories of ‘ITMA’” records.
Tuesday 2nd January 1951
Dark, snow, slush.
Walked with Phil over railway bridge and back over other one. Cold ham and beef, leeks. Alys and Phil in JLN to 119 Bickenhall Mansions soon after lunch. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room and did stove – coke coal. Leeks and egg and cheese sauce. Lord Samuel on “The Mark of Greatness” (King Albert, Woodrow Wilson,).
Wednesday 3rd January 1951
Dull, frosty.
Fed bad ham to seagulls on lawn. Alys and Phil home at 1. Mrs Hill did mince and sprouts. I to Kingham’s for rations. (Eva ill, 102°F. Dr, penicillin). Vermicelli soup, stuffed mushrooms, ham.Thaw, south-west wind.
Thursday 4th January 1951
Very slow thaw.
Seagulls again. James and Eve came at 11.30. Lunch here and Alys and Phil and they to town at 3 for circus, Bertram Mills at Olympia. Mrs Hill did sausages and onions. I to shops and Boots. Posted car applications – Alys’ and mine. Alys and Phil home at 10.10. “About Food – A Dining-Room Reflection” by Martin Cooper.
Friday 5th January 1951
Very mild.
Letter saying Eva de Baeremaecker died June. Phil drove me in BHN to station. Ham sandwiches. Then to office – rent, and Mr Briggs and ceiling. 27 Bus to University College. Eugenics Theatre. Dr Woolridge in chair. Dr Vintner (woman) on report. Mrs Cozin accounts. Major Charles Hume on U.F.A.W. (Universities Federation of Animal Welfare), and a film on “care of cat”. Sardines and Welsh rarebit. “The Lifemanship Lectures – Basic Conversationship”, Stephen Potter.
Saturday 6th January 1951
Very mild.
To Waterloo. 9.27 to Woking after search, taxi to Ockenden. Major Hume on U.F.A.W. and Sir Vyvyan Board on whales and whaling, and his electrocuting method. Lunch all together (2/6). I to station. Phoned Jim Archer Worplesdon 134. Margaret did the talking. 2.30 or so to Waterloo. Supper and rest at 119 Bickenhall Mansions, and Northwood by the 8.6. “Ace of Clubs”, Coward.
Memo:
2nd Phil to Cambridge Theatre with Polish Ballet.
5th U.F.A.W. 2.30 Eugenics Theatre, University College.
5th Dougal‘s collar.
5th Phil sent off his car application.
5th Phil to George and Joy’s – dinner.
4th Circus, Berry’s.
5th Buchanan’s and Eve.
4th Sent off Alys’ and my car licence applications and cheques.
Sunday 7th January 1951
Fine. Cool wind.
Phil had slight pains in tummy. Sent herbal tea to Eva (and valve to James from Phil). Also posted advertisement of UMX (Allard) to Autocar for Phil. Rested in p.m. listening to “Happy and Glorious”, Laurence Housman. Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies and Anton Walbrook (Victoria and Albert). Phil stayed on bed for tea, and grapefruit and orange juice only an evening. Clipper ships (“The Glory That Was”) 9.30.
Monday 8th January 1951
Drizzly, mild.
Phil in bed all day. Alys in JLN to Great Missenden at 10.45 or so, till 415. Mrs Hill cooked fillets for Phil. I to Boots. At 5.54 I train to 119 Bickenhall Mansions to get herbal tea and straight back by 7.30. “The Half-Century 1914 – 18”.
Tuesday 9th January 1951
Fair, cold.
Alys took me to Moor Park and I by 11.44, walked up to Berry‘s. Mrs Simmons there. Eva dressed, but “wobbly”. We steamed Alys’ meat pudding. Eva did cabbage. Eva rested all p.m. I took Dougal out and posted my car insurance. I home by 4.59 (and Alys and Phil home just before me – Phil had been for re-fill). Haddock. Gifford, U.S. Army – “The Pilgrim’s Dinner”.
Wednesday 10th January 1951
Fair, damp.
Phil in bed till teatime. I to get cloves. Mrs Hill did roast chicken for Phil – we had cold beef roll. Alys to get rations and I made fruit salad and listened 2 plays. All looked at Illustrated London Newses (old). Phil and I over railway bridges at 6. Ham (still Amy‘s!)
12th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 11th January 1951
Rain a.m. Fair p.m.
Phil receiving phone calls re. Allard (Evening Standard advert). Cut up chicken. Mrs Bearcroft dining. Mrs Hill fried chicken. Sent off letters to Haughton Co. and Taxation Department. Picked up almonds and Phil cracked them. Put tangerine skins in marmalade. Man (Bell) from Ealing at 8:.40 to see UMX and Phil took him out. He said he’d buy at £900.
Friday 12th January 1951
Fine.
Bell came for UMX. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (Alys took me to station). I to Ed Barnard’s, 54 Hatton Gardens by 23 bus, walk to Kingsway. Trolley bus 552 Hatton Gardens by Clerkenwell. Took Alys’ and my rings. Eric Barnard. Back via Selfridges. Lunch. To Club and at 4.30 to 11 Chandos Street. Alys and Phil came. Lecture on Lascaux by Miss Jacquetta Hawkes. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions then Classic 8.45, “In Which We Serve”, Noël Coward. (Destroyer) John Mills.
Saturday 13th January 1951
Fine.
At 10 to National and Provincial Bank. Paid in Phil‘s Bankers Order £880. To Gayler & Pope and Dorlon’s and “Fashion Wools” for Phil’s socks. Bus to Matts and my Bank. Home. Took soot from chimney and blocked it up. Lunch. To Central Hall. Films on bird migration and Minsmere and Havergate. Avocets. George Edwards and back to Northwood by 8.21. Phil in bed.
Memo:
Ambassador at Pilgrim’s and Lord Halifax.
12th B.A.A. Lascaux lecture, Chandos Street 4.30.
9th Phil‘s refill.
12th Phil sold Allard and bought Jowett Javelin (Ormes) for £950.
13th “Travellers Joy” with Arnaud, Arthur Macrae.
Alys and Phil at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Chinese reject “cease fire” terms.
Sunday 14th January 1951
Fair with showers.
Phil stayed in bed till 7.30 p.m. Reaction (deferred)? Alys packed and cooked mutton and artichokes. I wrote Kitty; and scrubbed path, and did salted almonds. At 8 Alys and Phil in JLN to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Thomas Mann on “Bernard Shaw” (from California).
Monday 15th January 1951
Fair and fine.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. I phoned Hawkins re. taps. To get Boswell’s Journal at Boots. Did breadcrumbs. Wound sock wool. “Elephant Bill” (on “Schools”). Sewed. Got wood in. Cut monbretia. Askey and Murdoch in “Ah! Happy Days. Printed calendar months for desk calendar. Darned socks.
Tuesday 16th January 1951
Fair. Drizzle later.
Tried to start BHN, but queer. Mrs Hill grilled fish made prune whip. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 1.50 and to Free Library for books. Took sugar, coffee. After “Mrs Dale‘s Diary”, I came back 4.45. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. Artichoke and leek broth. Sir Edward Appleton on Lord Rutherford – “The Mark of Greatness”.
Wednesday 17th January 195
Fairish, mildish.
Did Phil’s socks. Soaked Phil’s socks. Washed napkins. Put licence in BHN and drove around and to get rations at Sainsbury’s and Kingham’s. Posted eggboxes. Minced up meats and cauliflower and prune whip. Hawkins and man came. Taps washered. Said new cistern needed. Phoned Alys. Sent cheque to Haughton Car Co. for car insurance (extended). Darned socks and tablecloth. “Mother of Men”, Nancy Price.
Thursday 18th January 1951
Mildish, fair.
Rinsed socks. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys and Phil‘s rooms and lit Cozy stove. Did laundry. In BHN to Northwood Hills. Got 2 batteries for Vidor 17.10? Mrs Hill cooked sausages and apples. Finished adapting tablecloth (yellow stripes). Soup and cauliflower with cheese sauce. To bed at 10.50. Belgian (4) “Town Forum”.
Friday 19th January 1951
Mild. Dull.
To Pinner in BHN. Got darning cotton and pillowcases at Cutmore‘s and socks. Mrs Hill did kippers. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen and lit Cozy stove and kitchen stove. I made 3 napkins and finished cloth. Alys in BHN at 4.40 (back from town with Eva). Phil back at 6.50 in new (Orme’s) Jowett Javelin. Fillets and mousse (bad failure, too strong chocolate). “Any Questions”.
Saturday 20th January 1951
Very mild.
To get Alys’ rations (walked). Phil took Javelin (GFH) for antifreeze. Alys to shops in JLN. I made fruit salad. “Don’t Put Your Daughter On The Stage Mrs Worthington”, Noël Coward. Tinned Australian and salad. Gardener mended fence (honeysuckle). Test. Talked, tea (out in Javelin at 2.15 with Phil and Alys till 2.35). Scrambled eggs and cauliflower cheese.
Memo:
19th Began knitting Phil’s socks (Heather).
Phil‘s course at London Hospital begins this week.
19th James to Sherborne.
John Tilly in Chairman at Directors’ Meeting.
Sunday 21st January 1951
Very mild, dull.
Phoned Mandy at 9.50, but out. In garden putting in cuttings of honeysuckle with Phil. Alys cooked mutton with mint sauce, leeks. In p.m. added to fruit salad. We looked at map of London. Alys did spaghetti and also leek soup. Alys and Phil away at 8.15 in “JJ”. Cyclamen corms in box.
Monday 22nd January 1951
Fine.
Defrosted Fridge. Washed net and other curtains (from Bicky). Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room. Earth on cyclamen box. Cold mutton and lettuce. In BHN to Pinner. Got cake box 2/11 and plate (Pyrex) 1.9 and Tide. Back by Hudson’s. 4 soups. Knitted. Phoned Alys. Heard Mandy phoned. “The Lifemanship Lectures – Weekendmanship”.
Tuesday 23rd January 1951
Fair.
Washed net curtains again. Walk to Hudson‘s and radio shop (Chapman). Alys came by train. Mrs Hill did shepherd‘s pie and Alys stayed till 2.15. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned. I wrote Amy Steel and Lucy (with 3/–). Looked up route to Sissie’s. Ironed.
Wednesday 24th January 1951
Fine all day.
At 10.35, started in BHN for Sissie’s, via Totteridge Lane. With Sissie about 40 minutes. Back to Northwood at 1 and lunch at Durham 2/9 + 6d . To Hudson’s. Home. Rested and listened in plays. Wrote Ella and posted it. Knitted. Tom Lethbridge on “The Discovery of America”. Monte Carlo rally.
Thursday 25th January 1951
Dull. Drizzle at times.
Did laundry. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. I to Bank for £10 and sent notes to Sissie registered. (C. Bell‘s money). Got Phil‘s rations at Sainsbury’s. Mrs Hill did fresh herrings and mince pies. Rest on sofa. Repaired old sheet – patched.
Friday 26th January 1951
Dullish.
To shops in BHN. Tried for tinned meats but none. Home. Mrs Hill did sausage meat. I to butchers for corned beef ration and liver! Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen. Alys back in JLN at 3.45 (had felt ill earlier yesterday, but better). Phil back in JJ at 6.45 or so. Liver and bacon, Fropax peas. Phil told about Dr Hunter.
Saturday 27th January 1951
Fine day. Frost.
Alys down to breakfast in dressing gown and then to bed for rest of day. Phil to lunch and tea at Eva‘s. I to get Alys’ and my rations at Kingham‘s in JLN. Alys and I had sausage meat cakes. Cook came – pruned orchard and cut down smelly tree. Scotch toasts (Ambrose Heath) with haddock for supper and cold bacon (U.S.A.) and grapefruit. Aneurin Bevan, very poor political speech. “Short Story” with Ronald Frankau by Robert Morley.
Memo:
22nd “The Lifemanship Lectures – Weekendmanship” Stephen Potter.
23rd Wrote Amy Steel.
24th Wrote Ella.
28th Mandy (postpone 4th).
24th Sissie.
Sunday 28th January 1951
Lovely sun and frost.
Alys stayed in bed (though down to breakfast) till suppertime. Phil and I in JJ through Ashridge to Kingshead, Ivinghoe. Very nice old inn and good lunch (5/6?). Back about 3.30 (Alys better, got her lunch, corned beef pie). Phil brought tea up to Alys’ room. I cleared up in loft for Hawkins. Soup and eggs. Alys and Phil in JJ to London at 8.30. “Now It Can Be Told – Yvonne Baseden”.
Monday 29th January 1951
Dull. Fog. Frost.
At 9 came Hawkins and 2 men. Took cistern from loft, and put new one (rusted through). Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. Corned beef pie and vegetables. Mr Chapman came and took Cossor set away. John Wesley on wireless (“So Long Lives This And This Gives Life to Thee”) and Thatching. Began curtains for Phil‘s room. (Phoned Alys a.m. – JJ wouldn’t start. Phil by tube). “The Alchemist”, Ben Jonson.
Tuesday 30th January 1951
Dull. Frost. Some sun in a.m.
Mrs Bearcroft came in a.m. I to Sainsbury’s and Kingham’s. Walked up with Mrs Hill. Fried fish and chips and carrots, apple pie. Rested and slept on sofa. Sewed other curtain (short net). “Married Alive”, Strindberg. General Slim “The Mark of Greatness – the Great Soldier”, British soldier.
Wednesday 31st January 1951
Fair. Milder in p.m.
Alys came about 11.30 and she and I drove to 119 Bickenhall Mansions in JLN. I had lunch with her there. Then I to herbal shop and Selfridges. Ordered 3 hams (Prague, Swedish and Danish) and Bathettes. 3,34 from Baker Street. Home for “Mrs Dale‘s Diaries”. Sewed and listened. “The Calendar”, Edgar Wallace. Potted small primula.
Thursday 1st February 1951
Dull. Mild.
Did laundry. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. To Pinner in BHN to get socks 5/7 for Phil. Mrs Hill did sausages and cabbage. At 2 in BHN – 2 gallons petrol and 1 pint oil. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions and got a little looking-glass and brought it back (via Hampstead). Home at 4. “Mrs Dale‘s Diaries”. Rest. “Dear Sir”. Soup and cold bacon and sausage. Influenza virus epidemic by Dr C. H. Andrews. Division – Government majority 11.
Friday 2nd February 1951
Misty, raw.
Washed out curtains and ironed, and up in Phil‘s work room. To butcher in BHN and brought Mrs Hill up with me and pork joint. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned hall and kitchen and lit stove. Alys home in JLN at 4. Phil home in JJ at 6.30, with sore throat and on M&B. Soup and haddock. Phil to bed at 7.45, and we all upstairs. “Submarine Jubilee”.
Saturday 3rd February 1951
Rainy.
Phil in bed all day with cough but fair appetite – two poached eggs on toast, lunch. In BHN for rations and fruit, oranges, vegetables. Then Alys to collect medicines. Made artichoke soup (Comtessa), fresh herrings and Phil had roes on toast (3 hams came – Prague, Swedish and Danish from Selfridges). “Dear Octopus”.
Memo:
1st 5.30 University College – Persecution of Christians.
4th Mandy? Alys phoned to postpone her as Phil’s sore throat.
Prague ham £3.3.0.
Sunday 4th February 1951
Rain most of day. Cold.
Phil much better, in bed all day. All had cold pork and leeks lunch. Out round block, and picked up almonds. Mandy phoned. Tea in Phil’s room. “The Wonderful Year -1851 – The Victorian Scene”.
Monday 5th February 1951
Wet and cold. Sunny p.m.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. Phil in bed all day, but a bath at 6.30. Cheerful but still coughing. Alys to shops in a.m. Water poured in front bed and I had to recover the bulbs which were almost floating. Sent 10/– to Captain Gordon Fund. “Point of Departure”, Anouilh (Orpheus and Eurydice).
Tuesday 6th February 1951
Lovely. Frosty a.m.
Alys’ JLN wouldn’t start (outdoors). She let water out. To shops in BHN. Mrs Hill, roast chicken. Covered BHN with sailcloth and put lamp in. Alys put JLN on charge. Phil down to supper in dressing gown. Soup, Welsh rarebit, coffee cream. Maurice Denham, Peter Coke, “Sir Martin Marr-all” – Dryden.
Wednesday 7th February 1951
Fine. Sun. Frost.
Phil dressed, and made a bonfire. I to get swedes. Alys in JLN to shops – cold pork, apples. Alys to 119 Bickenhall Mansions in p.m. and back to tea. I raked leaves. Amy’s parcel opened – ham. Cod and pickled walnuts, grapefruit. “Argument”, Barbara Castle. Lord Hailsham (Hogg).
Alys and Phil 119 Bickenhall Mansions on 8th evening.
Thursday 8th February 1951
Dull. Showers.
Phil down to breakfast in dressing gown. In BHN to get potatoes. Mrs Hill did corned beef, mince and spaghetti. Alys and Phil in JJ to shops. Then Phil rested. Wrote Amy airmail. Alys and Phil in JJ to 119 Bickenhall Mansions after 4 o’clock tea.
Friday 9th February 1951
Dull, showers.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 10.31. Saw Alys there and o to pay Austin‘s bill 6.12.0. To Edgware Road, 27 bus to Olympia. Crufts Dog Show, 6/– entrance. Saw 6 Mastiffs, Wolfhounds, Deerhounds, Border Terriers. Lunch counter. Away at 3. To get herbals. To Chandos Street 4.30. Tea and Romano-British temples by M. R. Hill. With Laurie to Baker Street, 113 bus. 6.47 to Northwood. Supper. Amy‘s ham with Alys and Phil who back earlier.
Saturday 10th February 1951
Foggy, cold, damp.
Walked to Kingham’s for rations. Alys in JLN later. Phil got bonfire going. Fishcakes and chips. Phil and I moved 2 groups of daffodils from orchard path. Did vegetables for braised beef and fried “joint”. U.S. and English College quiz – “What Do You Know!” 7.30. Talk about reactions in cars and “Mark Time”. Phil coughed a lot in evening.
Memo:
9th B.A.A. 4.30 Chandos Street – Romano-British temples.
(Mandy to Ashridge)
8th Wrote Amy Steel.
10th Meat ration 8d each 4 weeks so beef joint for 3 = 2/–!
Sunday 11th February 1951
Very cold, sleet.
Phil had bad night with indigestion. Lois phoned. Phil down to breakfast, dressed, but up and lay on bed all a.m. Down to lunch 1.30 and poached eggs. We had braised beef. Wrote Nellie Moir to Post Office at 3.35. Phil down to tea, (expecting to go off tonight to 119 Bickenhall Mansions) but on bed and query fistula. “Round Britain Quiz”. Phil only soup and to bed and orange juice.
Monday 12th February 1951
Fine, milder.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. Phil in bed all day, cough and poor appetite. Alys to shops. Eva phoned, and to hairdo and I met her in BHN and back to lunch here. She sat with Phil after, till 3.45. Alys took her to station. I gardened a bit. Cod’s roe and sauce. We sat in Phil’s room. Knitting and “20 Questions” and Clifton Utley (“American Commentary”). “Lines of Communication”, Paul Scott, Imphal. Stephen Potter (“The Lifemanship Lectures – Further Research in Gamesmanship”).
Tuesday 13th February 1951
Dull, cold.
Horrid day of “suspended animation”, as Phil said. Had he got a fistula? He phoned Smart, and waited till 5.45 appointment. Mrs Hill, and Mrs Bearcroft (Alys’ room). Phil up, bath and he and Alys in JJ at 5 (dark). They back at 7.45. Joe didn’t think it’s serious. All had ham. “Crime Clinic” and “Take it From Here” and “Focus on Fashion” in Phil’s room.
Wednesday 14th February 1951
(no weather)
Alys took me to Northwood Hills and I got 1 bootee at Osborne‘s. To Pinner (Alys’ car). Bus to Golders Green 1/1. Bus to Tally Ho. To Sissie. Lunch at café – 2/6 (turkey!). Bus to Orchard Street. Got herbal medicine. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Free Library (W. Renier), 119 Bickenhall Mansions. “Mrs Dale’s Diary”. 4.45 to Northwood, Colliver Fisher 2/6! In Phil’s room. He better. Ham toasts.
Thursday 15th February 1951
Cold, sunny at times.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. Phil in bed all day, but bath at 7.15 and to supper in dressing-gown. I to Northwood Hills in BHN. Osborne‘s paid for Sissie’s booties (to be sent to Sissy). Round by Rickmansworth, home. Mrs Hill, fishcakes and chips. Alys out p.m. to shops. Elizabeth‘s (Elizabeth David) Bouchée à la Reine, and Alys put mushrooms and sauce in. “Dear Sir”. Goodson phoned.
Friday 16th February 1951
Cold. Rain. Finer.
Walked in rain to get rations at Kingham’s and Sainsbury’s. Home; out again for cake and ice cream. Mrs Hill cooked mutton, cauliflower. Phil dressed and down. (Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen). Phil round garden with me, bulbs. At 5, then all of us in JJ to Uxbridge! Soup, scrambled eggs, grapefruit. “The Paradox of Nietzsche”, E. Heller. “Moon’s Farm”, Herbert Reid.
Saturday 17th February 1951
Rain, then finer. Cold.
Phil to breakfast in dressing gown. Alys to shops. Cold beef and salad, baked potato. Wiz to tea, and supper. Phil took him out in JJ. He showed us lovely coloured photos of lake in Austria, ski. I wrote Jim Archer with cuttings of “Asgard” (Erskine Childers). Barbara phoned, telling of Christina’s (Barnard – Kitty’s sister) death.
Memo:
12th Gamesmanship, Sissie a.m.
16th Return ticket.
17th Wiz.
15th University College 5.30 London water supply.
Sunday 18th February 1951
Fine and showers.
Eve flu. Wrote Kitty (Chris) and Phil Sime. Phil on bed in a.m. Down to breakfast and at 12 a bath and Blennerhassett’s cocktail party. Back at 1.45. Cornish pasties. Alys and Phil in JJ for driving lesson. Alys driving. I in BHN short drive. Tea. Rest. Supper – ham toasts! Alys and Phil in JJ to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 8 though Phil not feeling really recovered. Daniel Defoe, “The True-born Englishman”, satire.
Monday 19th February 1951
Fine. Cool.
Wrote Ella (Chris and holidays). Washed clothes. Alys phoned from Moor Park. Met her in BHN. She went away in JLN. I to get oil and petrol and tyres blown up. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Phil‘s bedroom. Unpacked and knitted blue socks. Phoned Eva (Eve normal) and Alys at 6.45. Knitted all evening. Strindberg‘s play “There Are Crimes and Crimes”.
Tuesday 20th February 1951
Rain almost all day.
Not out (except orchard) all day. Doing Phil socks (cresol) and box for them. Hem of tea tablecloth pink. Mrs Hill, fresh herrings. Mrs Bearcroft upstairs rooms. Letters from Kitty and Ella and Nellie Moir. “The Hairless Mexican”, Somerset Maugham.
Wednesday 21st February 1951
Fine, showers.
In BHN to Post Office with eggbox, and got sugar rations. Took old lady to Dux Hill. Ham and salad. Ironed. Clark came and put mower in order and shears. Paid 30/–. Oil in cars. Wrote Nellie Moir. Omelette (ham fat). “Call It A Day”. Phoned Alys 7.45.
Thursday 22nd February 1951
Finer, showers, cool.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room (had cold). Did Phil‘s drawer, re-lined it and cleaned. Wrote Ella with dates. To have hair trimmed, Taylor, (1/6 +6d tip). 12.40 – 12.50. Mrs Hill did chopped ham in batter, and cakes. Alys phoned. Mended rug (Father’s blue). Oil in ears again.
Friday 23rd February 1951
Fine all day.
At 9.15 BHN to Dr Baker’s, but wax too hard in ears, so to go again after more oil. Onto Jones’ for haddock. To Boots. Home. Mrs Hill, cod’s roe. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. In garden. Knitted. Alys home 5 and JLN. Phil at about 7. Arthur Bryant on “Pepys the Man” (300 years?), “Any Questions”.
Saturday 24th February 1951
Dull, showers, cool.
Phil to Colliver Fisher with JJ. I with him and train to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Phoned re. trains Victoria – Worthing and telegram to Kit, Beach Hotel. To Times Book Club re. “Elephant Bill”. To Doulon’s. Back. Sausages. 2.50 to Northwood. To Boots. Home. Tea with Alys and Phil (no gardener). Talk. Rabbit with rice and ragout, pear Melba!
Memo:
19th Quart of oil in BHN and air and 2 gallons petrol 8/6.
23rd 9.30 am Dr Baker’s.
24th Wire “arriving Monday 3.48 till Wednesday. Is that all right? Kate”.
24th Reply “very much all right”.
Sunday 25th February 1951
Cold and grey.
Feel much brighter. We went a walk round the block, saw riders in field. Alys did very good stew and read “Love in a Cold Climate”, Nancy Mitford. Tea. Altered apron dress, as Alys suggested. Poached eggs on anchovy. Alys and Phil away in JJ at 8. Packed a bit. “Now it Can Be Told”, flying bomb V1.
Worthing
Monday 26th February 1951
Cold and grey.
Mrs Bearcroft came. I packed bag. Alys came and drove us to 119 Bickenhall Mansions in JLN. Sandwich lunch at 1. Taxi to Victoria 3/6, return ticket to Worthing 16/9, 2.25. Arrived 3.48. Taxi 1/6 + 6d tip to Beach Hotel. 76A room. Tea with Kitty. Rest. Dinner 7. Sat in Kitty’s 8D room. “The Secret Agent”, Conrad. “Book at Bedtime – Main Street”.
Tuesday 27th February 1951
Grey and some sun.
To shops. Sock wool and hot bottle 4/6 and lorgnette. Menie Reid at 11 for coffee. With her in taxi to Con’s High School. Con showed me over it. Taxi back, lunch. Rest. Tea 4. To shops with Kit again. She back by bus. I by sea and sunset. Knitted. News. Dinner. “The World Today”, Gilbert Murray’s talk.
Northwood
Wednesday 28th February 1951
Fine, cold.
Packed bags and taxi to station at 10.15 with Kit (who sent her luggage by railway). I by 10.35 to Victoria. (Kit staying till 1st). Taxi to Baker Street and to Northwood by 1 o’clock. Taxi 2/6 with tip. Phoned Beach Hotel as forgot to pay bill! Sent blank cheque to Kitty. Finished lacey scarf. “Argument” – Tom Driburg and Collin Brooks, Randolph Churchill.
Thursday 1st March 1951
Dull.
Laundry. Oil in ears twice. Deaf after. Mrs Hill made cheese pudding. Failed to start BHN. Walked to Post Office with Mrs Hill – eggboxes. Phil‘s coat to Achille Serra. Phil‘s ration at Sainsbury’s. (Oil in ears and quite deaf for a time).
Friday 2nd March 1951
Dull. Rain.
Tried to start BHN again and failed. Mrs Hill did ham in batter and pork for tomorrow. Walked to get oranges and rolls. Alys back in JLN at 4.15. Phil back in JJ at 6.30. “Any Questions”. Colonel Henrique very good.
Saturday 3rd March 1951
Fine day.
Oil in ear twice – felt deaf. Phil started BHN (flooded) and to Colliver in JJ to order handle. Alys to shops. I drove to Annette’s, High Street with cardigan (to be unpicked) and to Sainsbury’s. Cook and his son cut tops of trees off 24/– (4 hrs). Cold pork lunch. Kedgeree and corned beef and rice and grapefruit early. Phil to bed 8.
Memo:
26th Worthing? Victoria 2.25 arrive 3.48.
28th Leave Worthing 10.35 arrive 11.57? say 12.
6th Ivor Novello died suddenly acting in King’s Rhapsody same evening.
Sunday 4th March 1951
Fine all day. Cold wind.
I wrote Mandy and Menie. Phil and I did bonfire on bed. Cold pork and turnips. Mink and Joyce came at 3.15. Mink and Phil did bonfire. I oil in ears and rest 30 minutes. Tea. Phil short rest. Mink and Joyce left at 6.30 in car. Scrambled eggs on anchovy. Alys and Phil to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 8. “The Great Escape” – 50 R.A.F. men shot by Gestapo.
Monday 5th March 1951
Fog then fine. Cold.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. Alys came back at 10.50 and I met her in BHN. She cleaned JLN and had lunch here. I to Mrs Hills’, and shops. Alys to 119 Bickenhall Mansions in JLN at 2. Cut up Seville oranges from 4.15 till 6.15!! Oil twice in ears. Soaked socks. “Mr Gillie”, James Bridie.
Tuesday 6th March 1951
Showers and sun. Cold.
At 9.15 to Dr Baker’s in BHN. He did my ears for wax. Home. Made 4lb marmalade in pressure cooker. Mrs Hill, fried haddock fillet. Mrs Bearcroft did bedrooms. Rinsed 3 pairs socks. Put two pairs in. Alys phoned re. Eva’s scolded leg. Lettercard to Ella.
Wednesday 7th March 1951
Dull.
Phoned Eva. 10.30 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. On with Alys in car to Selfridges. Lunch Marks & Spencer cafeteria. Plastic (silver) waterproof at West’s. Woolworth’s. Took satchel to Club. To Agnew’s show of Turner watercolours (centenary). To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. “Mrs Dale’s Diaries” and soup. 4.45 or so to Northwood. Hung up socks.
Delegates meeting in Paris. Gromyko (Russian), Jessup U.S.A., Davies British, Parodi French.
Thursday 8th March 1951
Dull. Very cold wind.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned halls and I in BHN to get Phil‘s rations and more Seville oranges – 8. Wrote to Kitty (at Sylvia‘s), got 2 gallons petrol. Mrs Hill, sausages. Knitted socks and darned. Phoned Eva, re. her blister and surgery tomorrow.
Friday 9th March 1951
Very cold. Sleet. North-East wind.
To shops for rations (got tin of chicken 15/6) and High Street re. Sissie’s nightgown. Mrs Hill. I took her home and to Elliot‘s and Caroline‘s (nightie). Alys home at 4.30. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Phil back at 10.35.
Saturday 10th March 1951
Dull, cold.
Not out all day. Made chocolate mousse (milk chocolate a failure). Alys and Phil for a walk. Cold lamb, shoulder (teeny). No gardener. Talked after tea till 7.5 fire light.
Memo:
8th 2 gallons petrol.
10th Turner show closes.
Sunday 11th March 1951
Dull, cool.
Wrote Sissie (night dress) and to post – also out with Phil, Dene Road. Corned beef pie, Queen of puddings. Rest in p.m. and listened “Persuasion” 3 – 4. Tea. Darned pants and talked till about 7. Soup, tongue, grapefruit. Alys and Phil away 8.10. “The Case of Sarah Chandler”, 12 years.
Monday 12th March 1951
Fine day!!!!
Alys here for JLN. I met her, in BHN. She on to lunch with Eva. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. Tongue and salad and pudding. Drove around in BHN. Dried sail cover, and washed and dried vest and 2 macs. Darned and knitted. Cut up 7 small oranges and 1 lemon and soaked.
Tuesday 13th March 1951
Fair then rainy.
Made 3lb marmalade in Presto and defrosted Fridge. Eva brought Dougal, and had her hair done, and came to lunch. Mrs Hill, sausages and mashed potatoes. Eva away 3.30. Mrs Bearcroft did bedrooms. I to get rations – Kingham’s and then ironed 2 nighties. Gilbert Murray on “Jane Ellen Harrison”, born 1850, on Greek religion.
Wednesday 14th March 1951
(no weather)
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 10.16 train. On to Bank and to Garrould’s and Selfridges. Lunch with Alys at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rest, and to Browns Hotel; Tea – reception to Royal Anthropological Institute by Dr Evans-Pritchard, President. Laurie and Jack Willis there. All to lecture by Dr Wheeler at 5 – “Earthworks Since Hadrian Allcroft”. Home to Northwood by 7.45. “Juno and the Paycock”, Professor E. M. Butler on “Jane Ellen Harrison”.
51 years since Mother died on Saturday March 17th 1900.
Thursday 15th March 1951
Fine all day!!!
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. Hung out socks. Mrs Hill, fritters. In BHN to shops (with Mrs Hill). Got Phil‘s rations. To Northwood Hills. Durazone 1/4, Oteg 3/10. Egg-boxes 1/4? Cut rubber mat for car floor (and cleaned it out) BHN. “The Consul”, Menotti from Cambridge Theatre (opera).
Friday 16th March 1951
Drizzly, dull.
To shops – fruit, vegetables, rolls in BHN, and around. Mrs Hill, fish (egg for her). Put 11 eggs in Oteg. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen and stove. Alys back 5.20 (had had tea with Barbara). I made fruit salad. Phil Home at 6.30. Scallops. “Any Questions”, Lord Elton, Dr Hill, Ian Mikardo. Wrightman, televised in Walthamstow.
Saturday 17th March 1951
Showers.
Alys took me to station. 12.16 to Baker Street. Lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Dene‘s Yard, Westminster. Mr Tanner (Laurence) took party over my monastic buildings of Abbey. Library, effigies. Lois to tea with me at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Home by 7.5. “Caesar‘s Friend”.
Memo:
14th Brown’s Hotel 3.45 – 4.50 Professor Wheeler.
17th Westminster B.A.A. (British Archaeological Association). 2.15 Tanner, Dene’s Yard
13th Eva to lunch.
16th Eggs in Oteg (11).
Sunday 18th March 1951
Some sun. Much more showers and dull.
All in JJ to Great Missenden for Eve‘s 11th birthday. Home at 12.30. Cold meats and Alys’ petit beurre sweet. Hinds-Howell phoned, as Alys and Phil to tea there at 4 – 5.30. Alys and Phil to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 7.45. “Now It Can Be Told – The Merville Battery”.
Monday 19th March 1951
Dull, showery.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. Alys came and away to 119 Bickenhall Mansions in JLN. I to Hudson’s and Boots, and around in BHN. More socks in cresole. Finished knitting pair socks for Phil. “Everyman”.
Tuesday 20th March 1951
Fine all day.
Washed clothes; Phil’s socks out on line. Mrs Hill, fritters. In BHN to get rations, Kingham’s at 12.30. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned bedrooms. Ironed in kitchen. Knitted border for black coattee. “You Have Control”, training for jet pilots.
Wednesday 21st March 1951
Dull, windy.
Socks again – on line. BHN to get rations, Sainsbury’s and order boiling fowl, butchers. (Egg hard, for lunch). Trimmed black béret with ruffle. Knitted border, coattee with ruffle. Special essence and No. 10. “Ladies In Retirement”.
Thursday 22nd March 1951
Fair, gales.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. I to get bread, “Chalet” and fowl at butcher’s 16/6. Mrs Hill drove up with me. BHN‘s back light on. To Colliver’s but alright. Cheese pudding. Alys home at 4. She on sofa, tired. “Bunkle”. Phil supper in town with his Course, as last day. Wiz phoned. Phil home at 10.20.
Friday 23rd March 1951
Dull, windy.
Wrote Mandy. Alys and Phil in JJ to pick pick up Wiz, Moor Park and Alys to Snape, and Phil to Aldeburgh. I making borders in black knitting for coattee (sleeveless). Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 24th March 1951
Showers. Hail, wind and sun.
Washed stockings. Only in garden, not out otherwise. Stuffy nose. Went on with knitted borders and waistcoat.
Memo:
23rd Alys and Phil Aldeburgh and Snape.
24th Return ticket to Baker Street.
27th Phil’s exam a.m. and papers p.m.
Sunday 25th March 1951
Sunny. Hail. Cold.
In BHN for (milk!?) petrol and oil. Jean Cavanaugh brought Easter present in. Did black waistcoat lining. Read “Nothing” by Henry Green. Alys and Phil home at 9.10.
Monday 26th March 1951
Dull, rainy.
Phil to get petrol. Alys did chicken in joints and I made chocolate mousse. Rested in p.m. Talked with Phil about Swallow, Goodson. Supper, 7(ish) soup and artichoke hearts. Alys and Phil to 119 Bickenhall Mansions in JJ at 8 for night and exam 27th.
Tuesday 27th March 1951
Some sun but cold wind.
To get bread and cheese. Mrs Hill cooked fillets, baked (for supper). Went on with waistcoat. On veranda, but wind cold. Alys and Phil home at 7.30. Phil had had written exam 9.30 – 12.30, and 2 – 5 at Queen Square. Boxing, Jack Gardner, Jo Weidin, European Heavyweight Championship.
Wednesday 28th March 1951
Sun and snow!
Phil did bonfire all a.m. Alys to London to buy reindeer meat. 2 Wolf Cub Scouts. bob-a-job in garden (2/6 given). Cold fowl and potatoes. Alys home at 12.45. Rest and “Beyond the Night”, Dr and children’s hospital. 4.15 “Any Questions”. Phil on bed after tea. I out to bonfire. Reindeer rump dinner.
29th Phil’s clinical exam. 2 short cases, 1 long case.
Thursday 29th March 1951
Dull, cold.
Laundry. Mrs Bearcroft did the dining room. Mrs Hill, chicken and corned beef mince. Phil took me in JJ to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (he to News Theatre and then, his exam at U.C.H. at 4.30). I to Leicester Square with Eve‘s case, and to A.A. for keys. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Saw Phil. Out to Library for Agar‘s book. 4.31? to Moor Park. Alys in JLN and met. Reindeer cutlets, mousses. Phil back about 10.20.
Friday 30th March 1951
Fine.
With Phil in JJ to Baker Street. Mended curtains. At 1.30 to Everyman Cinema – Gannets film, Julian Huxley, Grassholm. Jour de Fête (postman bicyclist). 24 bus home. Went on with curtains all evening. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 31st March 1951
Showers. Cold.
Late up. Lunch 12.15. At 1.10 to 20 Portman Square, 2 coaches (R.A.I.) to Eltham Palace (Guide Chettle), on to Eltham Lodge/Blackheath Golf Club (Geoffrey Webb), Morden College Blackheath – Warden Hughson, (turkey merchants), Charlton House (Greenwich) Borough Council – (Martin) mantlepieces. Tea Christy‘s Restaurant, Blackheath. Back at 7.40. Supper Dutch Oven. Slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Memo:
Exam 27th at U.C.H.
29th 4.30 U.C.H. = 3 cases, 2 short and 1 long.
Mrs Bearcroft Tuesday a.m.
31st R.A.I. excursion Eltham Palace – 1.10 Portman Square
1st Mandy
28th “Argument” – Cudlipp and Dingle Foot.
Sunday 1st April 1951
Sun and showers.
Cleaned up. Census man called. At 12.15 to Northwood. Phil met me. Minced reindeer lunch and sea kale. Mandy Steel at about 3.40. Tea. Phil and Mandy in car JJ for drive. Cold pork ration supper. Alys and Phil took Mandy back to London 8.45. “District Nurse”.
Monday 2nd April 1951
Sunny.
Very blocked nose. I not feeling well. Eva phoned. I to Edgely’s and French re. James‘ tweed coat in BHN. Mrs Bearcroft did Phil‘s bedroom. On sofa and wireless and knitting. Soup, tunny fish salad, lemon fluff. “Background” with Chetham Strode, Valerie Morell – good play, divorce and the children.
Tuesday 3rd April 1951
Sunny.
Looked up missing cheque numbers. In BHN to French’s (re. coat) and Boots and Post Office. Mrs Hill, reindeer mince. Mrs Bearcroft in p.m, hall and bathrooms. Wrote Amy Steel airmail. Finished re-footed socks. “Merino”, “The Heritage of Britain – The British People”.
Wednesday 4th April 1951
(no weather)
Still very stuffy nose. Ironed things – only out to pillar box. Two plays – “Under The Hammer”, Phyllis Hastings, “Sound, Sound The Trumpet”, Norman Holland, “Murder On The Second Floor”, Frank Vosper. Discussion on liberty – “Why Defend the Free World?”, Viscount Samuel and Bertrand Russell, Harold Nicolson.
Thursday 5th April 1951
Very fine all day.
Mrs Bearcroft did sitting room. Alys came. I met her at shops in JLN. She back and had lunch here (Mrs Hill brought cod (batter and chips). Alys away at 3.30. Picked a dozen or so of daffodils, which she took. The first out. Knitted green scarf. Phoned Eva re. James and Monday. “Foreign Correspondent” Honor Tracy, 3rd programme.
Friday 6th April 1951
Dull, mild, rain.
Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen in p.m. Mrs Hill, sausage meat and apple tart. In BHN Post Office then 1.59 to Baker Street. Piccadilly – got case from Lewis, 22 Panton Street. Home by 4.15 and heard “Mrs Dale‘s Diary”. At 7.30 Dr Hinds-Howell phoned, said Philip’s paper good and good marks! I phoned Alys. Phil has passed clinical.
Saturday 7th April 1951
Hail, sun, cold, thunder.
To shops in BHN between hail showers and thunderstorms. Scroggs called, offered £130 for BHN. Phil phoned 2.30 re. Alexander’s and at 4.15 brought Dr Alexander and wife and daughter to tea. Point-to-point postponed. Alys in 5.30 (from 119 Bickenhall Mansions). Alys and Phil took the Alexander’s home in JJ and came home here at 11. “Housemaster”, Ian Hay, Jack Hulbert.
Memo:
5th First daffodils out.
7th Ticket.
1st Mandy?
3rd Airmail to Amy Steel.
10th Budget – Petrol 3/6 a gallon.
Sunday 8th April 1951
Cold and showery.
Phil in bed all day, diarrhoea. He got up at 8 and Alys and he to 119 Bickenhall Mansions in JJ at 8.30. I talked with him re. Alexander’s, and re. exam work. Alys cooked pork joint (3 8d rations for week). Phil had poached eggs and no supper, only milk. “Two Stories of Ancient Egypt” translated from papyri.
Monday 9th April 1951
Cold and much rain.
Mrs Bearcroft did sitting room (Cozy out). In BHN to Boots and Carey’s; then to Great Missenden (sandwiches en route). Eva and Eve to Ealing with friend for Eve’s clothes. I with James and Dougal and Polly. Jigsaw. Man put loudspeaker in kitchen. Eva and Eve back at 5.30. I drove home; back by 6.10.
Tuesday 10th April 1951
Cold and showery.
Alys came for JLN and took it to Ford place. I put Bostik on BHN roof cracks and cleaned out floor. Mrs Hill, sausage meat. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. Gaitskell on Budget at 9.15. “Heartbreak House”, Shaw; very good and long (2 parts).
Wednesday 11th April 1951
Fine all day!!!
Defrosted Fridge. Washed things. Car in sun, and more Bostik. Ate lunch on veranda. Scroggs came and talked. To Kingham’s for rations, and Hudson’s. Nailed rubber in car floor and swept it. Polished bumpers. Oliver Lyttelton on “Budget Talk”. MacArthur relieved of all his appointments.
14th Ernest Bevin died suddenly.
Thursday 12th April 1951
Dull, gales.
Altering and machining tweed skirt, and making belt for it. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room and Phil;s. Mrs Hill did fish. In p.m., I to get fruit in BHN. Wrote Sissie lettercard and Dr Baker’s bill £1.10. 8.20 opened Phil‘s exam result – ok so far! Phoned Bicky.
Friday 13th April 1951
Showers and sun.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 11.59. Library with a Agar’s United States, paid rent. Lunch with Alys (she to get JLN from works). Rested. At 4.30 to Chandos Street, Dr Rose Graham‘s lecture on monasteries (Cheniac), dissolution of. To Club at 6.15 – 6.50. To Northwood. Supper 8.
Saturday 14th April 1951
Some hail, much sun. Very cold wind.
To High Street for haddock. Picked daffodils. Lit Cozy stove. Alys and Phil home in JJ at about 3.30. Gardener came, weeded rose beds, pruned roses, and put extra earth on beds. “The Painted Ceil”, Maugham (cholera).
Memo:
13th Rose Graham, 4.30 Chandos Street.
15th Summertime begins.
Hear of Phil’s exam results 12th, 13th?
Submarine Affray disaster – 17th
Clocks forward for “Summertime”.
Sunday 15th April 1951
Fine. Cold wind. Strong.
Mr O’Shea came re. estimate for painting and papering rooms. Alys and Phil away to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at about 8, (daylight). Norwegians and heavy water plant – “Six Men Against The Atom Bomb”.
Monday 16th April 1951
Dull. Coldish.
Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ room. Drove to North Finchley by Totteridge in BHN. To Sissie, and Mrs Rothwell there. Away at 1 and Northwood at 1.35. To Scroggs. Home. Lunch. Rest. Wrote Ella, and to Post Office with letter and egg-boxes in BHN. “The Man With A Load Of Mischief” by Ashley Dukes.
Tuesday 17th April 1951
Perfect day.
To shops for Phil‘s rations in BHN. Mrs Hill, cheese pudding. In BHN to Post Office. 1.59 to Edgeware Road. My Bank. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. On to Times Book Club. Bought “Elephant Bill”, 18/–. Home by about 4.40. In garden. After supper, “Asmodee”, Francois Mauriac. Hinds-Howell phoned (Phil to pathology viva exam 10.30).
Wednesday 18th April 1951
Warm. Fair.
To Mrs Bearcroft on way and Boots and bread. Lunch. About 3.30 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Talk with Alys. On at 4.45 to Royal Institute Lecture 5.30. Lord Manley introduced Cecil Thomas Staines (Tufts?). To Watergate Theatre 1st night – “Our Town”, Thornton Wilder. Alys and Phil met me there. Mandy Steel. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
119 Bickenhall Mansions Friday night.
Lawns mowed 1st time this year.
Thursday 19th April 1951
Fine.
Back from Watergate Theatre with Alys and Phil in JJ, and spent night at 119 Bickenhall Mansions in bathroom. Phil heard he’d failed. I to Northwood by 10.30. Mrs Bearcroft there. To get rations in BHN. Brought Mrs Hill back. Fried fish and chips. Wrote Mandy, and Amy re. “Our Town”. Bunny Helm phoned re. Phil’s exam. Early to bed.
Friday 20th April 1951
Fine.
By 10.59 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Nellie Moir with Alys. On at once to Blennerhassett, Hanover Square. He filled tooth 12 – 12.30. Lunch with Alys at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. She in JLN to Northwood. To Watergate Theatre, then Spink’s re. M.B.E. medal. Home. “Mrs Dale‘s Diaries”. To Hardy‘s for shoes. Supper. Sewed hooks on curtain.
Saturday 21st April 1951
Fine. Very cold wind.
Out to buy hooks. Cleaned flat. To Club at 12.30. Lunch with Nellie Moir. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Sewed on hooks. “We Beg To Differ”. 3.6 to Northwood. Gardener cut lawns 1st time. Alys and Phil back to tea 5 or so. Opened Swedish ham for supper. “Half A Loaf”, Welsh play.
Memo:
18th Phil‘s viva exam 10.30 Buckingham Street.
18th Watergate Theatre 7 “Our Town”, Thornton Wilder.
20th 12 Blennerhassett.
19th Nellie Moir 10 days at Club.
21st Club lunch.
18th 5.30 Royal Institute – statues lecture.
Aneurin Bevan resigns (also).
Sunday 22nd April 1951
Fine day.
Phone Mandy re. seats for “Our Town”. Alys to Eva‘s in JLN, lunch and tea. Phil washed his car with hose and after lunch (cold pork), he welded my front bumper, and bent his back bumper support straight. Wrote Ella, and postcard Nellie Moir. Captain and Mrs Cavanaugh in 6.45 to drinks. Stayed till 930!!! Supper (Swedish ham). Letter re. James‘s report.
Monday 23rd April 1951
Fine, warm.
Phil out with Joan, and polished JJ. I painted my welded bumper. Lunch (ham) with Alys at 12.40. She took me to 1.16 train. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Blennerhasset 2.15. Two lower teeth stopped. Home to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Moth in wardrobe drawer!!
Tuesday 24th April 1951
Fine. Warm.
Out for milk. Lay on bed and read papers. Eggs at 1. 59 Bus to Westminster to Caxton Hall 2.30. At 3 Grayswood in chair. Lieutenant Colonel Sir Thomas Moore MP, Ralph Whitlock and others; and very good demonstration of trained gun- trained dogs. Sandwich buffet.
Wednesday 25th April 1951
Fine, warm.
To Selfridges with shawls for de-moth and cleaning. Cleaned and cleared larder top shelf. To Selfridges again to buy shoes hanger for Alys 9/11. Looked over things in trunk under bed. Dusted. At 5.32 to Club. Nellie, (and Miss Calthrop) there. Sandwiches. To Watergate Theatre at 7 to see “Our Town” again. Took Nellie Moir 5/- seats. Home to Northwood by 10.45, Colliver Fisher. Supper. Alys and Phil at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
28th BHN battery done at Colliver Fisher.
Thursday 26th April 1951
Dull, cooler.
Laundry. Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room. At 12 Alys and Nellie came. Mrs. Hill got lunch for us three. Rested till 4.10. Then Alys drove us in JLN to Great Missenden. Lovely tea. Eve in bed (chill?). James and Dougal. Alys drove us to Northwood, and then she and Nellie back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. BHN battery out.
Friday 27th April 1951
Cold. Hail.
To Post Office with egg-boxes (got a car lift). To Dr Phibbs?, 38 Murray Road. To Carey’s with tin opener. To Dr Greaves (over Fuller’s). To Colliver Fisher’s. Mrs Hill got lunch (curry). Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Colliver Fisher’s man came for BHN‘s battery. Sewed hat.
Saturday 28th April 1951
Sun and very cold wind.
Phil point-to-point with Alexander’s. At 12.30 to Dr Greaves – my eyes tested and no new glasses needed. Colliver Fisher returned battery BHN. Cook 4 hours in garden. Alys back in JLN at 4.30. Phil back at 11.20. “Nine Days Miracle”, Jeffrey Dell. Eve in bed, temperature and sinus.
Memo:
Monday 2.15 Blennerhassett.
24th 2.30 p.m. Caxton Hall – Convention of British Animal Protection Societies.
28th 12.30 Dr Greaves – Oculist.
25th Watergate Theatre.
26th Nellie lunch. Tea, Eva’s.
Sunday 29th April 1951
Very cold. North wind. Dull.
Phil, Alys and I in JJ to Eva‘s at 11.30. Eva 99°C in bed. We took James and Eve to lunch at Griffin, Amersham. Then on to Bourne and Cookham. By river walked and Merlin races. Tea at Marlow. Back through Wycombe to Great Missenden. Left the children, and home 6.45. Cold beef and ham. Bed before 10.
Monday 30th April 1951
Snow 1” thick.
Phil in JJ to town. Alys in JLN to Eva‘s to help lunch. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. I to get on ration books and our rations at Kingham’s. On to Scroggs 2 gallons petrol 7/-, 1 pint oil 1/7. Alys in 4.15, on way to 119 Bickenhall Mansions, from Great Missenden. Phoned re. cricket bat. “The Golden Boy”, boxing play. Darned.
Tuesday 1st May 1951
Sun and dull.
Eva phoned re. cricket bat. Teddy in bed (Eva seeing off James to school). Mrs Hill, lunch. I to Boots and Bank and Poppie. Scroggs came re. heater. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room. Darned pants and socks. “We Beg To Differ”.
Wednesday 2nd May 1951
Sunny, fine.
To get Phil’s rations at Sainsbury’s in BHN. Did a lot of work on BHN, leaky roof and polish. Sausage lunch. Sent Teddy certificate for Income Tax to sign. Did gardening, weeding. Royal Academy dinner – Sir Gerald Kelly, Attlee, Earl of Cork, W. Somerset Maugham, Viscount Samuel, Churchill.
Festival opens 3rd (4 weeks). King at 8th St Paul’s and Concert Hall, 7th.
Thursday 3rd May 1951
Fine, warm.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. Some gardening. BHN to get ration books registered. Mrs Hill, fried fish and chips. At 5 got bread from Express (or 4.55). Alys and Phil back at about 7. Curry and rice. Festival bell peels from Oxford. Merton – oldest bells in the world.
Friday 4th May 1951
Dull.
Alys, Phil and I in JJ to Denham Place 10.30. Met R.A.I. coach. Lord and Lady Vansittart received us, coffee. John Summers on guide to Harefield Church. Dufty in pulpit. Lunch, Victoria Hotel, Rickmansworth. Bedford Chapel, Chenies Church Gladys Scott Thomson. Moor Park, Geoffrey Webb. Jack Willis came back with us to tea until 6.15. Supper, eggs and bacon.
Saturday 5th May 1951
Showers.
Phil to Burnham with Isolene to put his Swallow (boat) in water. Alys and I to vote (Municipal Council). Rest after lunch. In JLN to Eva‘s at 4.30. Home at 7.30. “The First Mrs Fraser”, Gladys Young‘s 25th anniversary. Phil home.
Memo:
4th R.A.I. Spring meeting, Moor Park.
1st James back to school.
30th 2 gallons petrol 7/-, 1 pint oil 1.7.
3rd Festival of Britain opened.
5th Municipal polling day.
Robin busy taking cheese to nest (from my hand).
Sunday 6th May 1951
Dull.
(Phil worried re. deafness). On veranda with Phil and robin came on our knees. Did Income Tax reclaim paper and posted it, on way to Mrs Bearcroft in p.m. (in BHN). Supper 7 and after to the Cavanaugh’s till 9.35 or so. “Koke (sic) and Bourbon”, crème de menthe. Priestley on Festival.
Monday 7th May 1951
Dull. North-east wind. Cold.
Alys to shops. Phil working in sitting room. Mrs Bearcroft in p.m. Alys fried soles, and leek au gratin. Alys and Phil away to 119 Bickenhall Mansions in JJ. I looked out clothes, furs. Made up plastic waterproof cape. “Mikado”. Betjeman on Festival. Phoned Ernest re. hotel.
Tuesday 8th May 1951
Dull. Fine late p.m.
To Boots in BHN, got sodium for ground elder and met Cavanaugh’s; lent hotel book – A.A. and Courtney‘s. Measles, Jean. Mrs Hill steak pie and pancakes. Mrs Bearcroft did Phil‘s room. I finished (nearly) plastic cape. Machined Phil’s flag (Whim). Something. Weeded at 6. Robin perching on me. Posted sodium to Teddy, and letter to Ernest. Hugh Casson on Festival plan. Bertrand Russell – “Living in an Atomic Age”.
Wednesday 9th May 1951
Dull, drizzly.
Alys came, and I met her Moor Park for 11.33. We both drove to 119 Bickenhall Mansions in JLN. Lunch (ravioli). Kit phoned. I to Hardy‘s and Selfridges. Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Alys and I both rested. At 3.45 I to Spink’s for M.B.E. miniature (14/6 mended). To Dr June Evans’ lecture – Archaeology in 1851. Home by 7.35. BHN at Post Office.
Thursday 10th May 1951
Fine. Dry after lunch.
Mrs Bearcroft did sitting room. In BHN to Northwood Hills with kitchen wireless. To Bank, and had haircut 2/6 with 6d tip. Mrs Hill did cheese pudding, our own rhubarb. Washed and iron nightie. Altering Irish tweed coat-collar. Finished plastic cape. Molly (Cave) Hadow phoned 1.
Friday 11th May 1951
Fine day.
Phil back in JJ about 11.30, and packed sailing kit. Alys back JLN at 12.30. Mrs Hill made fishcakes for us all. At 1.30 or so Alys and Phil in JJ to Aldeburgh, Jay’s. I by 2.15 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. On at 4.15 to Chandos Street. B.A.A. tea and paper on “the Rutland tiles”, Eames. Home to Northwood by 8.20. BHN up.
Saturday 12th May 1951
Perfect. Warm.
To Northwood Hills re. radio, got petrol. Gardener at 2 – 7 (15/–) cut grass and dug bed and planted sweet pea plants. Lunch on veranda (with robin) re-modelling grey coat. “Winslow Boy”.
Memo:
10th Haircut 2/- +6d tip, Taylor.
This week 7th ? shawls ready and tin opener, Carey’s.
Alys and Phil to Aldeburgh 11th – took Apartment 27a.
9th R.A.I. 5 pm Joan Evans, President – Archaeology in ‘51.
11th Chandos Street B.A.A. Eames, Rutland tiles.
Sunday 13th May 1951
Dull, dark.
To Sissie’s in BHN by Totteridge. Left at 11.15. There by 11.55. Started back at 12.40. Home by 1.15. Sausage and salad. Rest and sleep 3 – 4. Worked at grey coat pockets. Reading “A Fearful Joy”, Joyce Cary.
Monday 14th May 1951
Dull, cold wind.
Gardener (Cook) came at 8 and stayed till 1 (13/6), sweet peas and rhubarb. I wrote Amy Steel (air), Ella, Bank and Kitty. Finished grey coat. Alys phoned at 8.50 (she and Phil back from Aldeburgh).
Tuesday 15th May 1951
Dull, cold.
Alys came at 11.30 or so. I met her. She had cold bacon and then drove JLN to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Northwood Hills re. radio, and bread. Mrs Hill cooked my lunch. Sorted out hats to put away for decorator (O’Shea). Cook at 5 – 7. Dug up bed. Sewed. Weeded pinks and forget-me-knots.
Wednesday 16th May 1951
Dull, cold.
To Bank and Carey’s and Kingham’s (my rations). Robin feeding a cuckoo!? In garden watching, and weeding. Ironed, sewed. Alys came with ration books, and back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (had driven Eva home as hold up on Metropolitan railway). Wrote Times.
First real cream since about 1940.
Thursday 17th May 1951
Fair. Cold.
Robin feeding cuckoo, I think, or two young ones? Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. Laundry. I to get Alys and Phil‘s rations in BHN. Mrs Hill baked fish. I took tea to Mrs. Cattley and talked in their room. Altered black skirt. Cut out new (Heal) curtains.
Friday 18th May 1951
Fair, cold.
To station in BHN. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Alys gave me apricots and REAL CREAM!! To Bank, and Selfridges (shawl) and Webster’s for ticket to Moreton. To Frognal Lane. To Kitty’s. Lunch with her. Alys called for me at 3 and we home in JLN. Soles and mushrooms, wonderfully cooked by Alys. “Any Questions”, “Just Fancy”. Phil home at 10.
Saturday 19th May 1951
Dull.
Joan Frankton came and washed Phil‘s car with him and we had cold meats and apple pie (Alys made). Gardner 2 – 6.15 (said immigrating to Australia). Teatime, we did “”I’ve Got Your Number”. Joan stayed supper (crossword – tierce Hejira asp)
Memo:
Ticket Moreton-in-Marsh £1.5.2.
18th To Kit 12.30.
Sunday 20th May 1951
Dull, milder.
Ironed black skirt and did hem. To Mrs Hill at 5, re. Wednesday instead Tuesday. Alys and Phil to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 8, in JJ. “The Harbour called Mulberry”.
Monday 21st May 1951
Fine day.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned. I to Bank and Boots and got sliced bread BHN. Window cleaner came. Robin didn’t come after 4 or 5 pm. “The Voysey Inheritance”. Robin not till 8.30. Then came (had thought killed by cat).
Broadway
Tuesday 22nd May 1951
Showers and sun.
Mrs Bearcroft came 9.45. Alys at 11.24 met. We drove in JLN to Paddington via Harrow Road. Ate sandwiches on platform seat. 1.45 to Moreton-in-Marsh. Irish airman. Nellie in car met at 4.5. Tea. Rest (after garden). Supper, soup, ham and salad, raspberries and whipped real cream. “The World Today – A British Teacher”, schoolmaster in Russia”, “Beg to Differ”, Bertrand Russell.
Wednesday 23rd May 1951
Rain a.m. Fair p.m.
Wrote Ella. With Nellie to shops. Got tea. Rest after lunch (baked sole with parsley). To Lucy‘s and Teed’s at 4.30. Talk of Kate, to take Lucy‘s place. Dominos. Piano. Back 6.45. Supper, eggs. “This Was A Woman”, play.
Thursday 24th May 1951
Thunderstorm 6 – 7 a.m. Perfect day later, warm.
Phoned Lucy re. July. With Nellie to Coach and Horses and a shop. Liver and bacon, fruit salad. Sat in garden. Rest. “Mrs Dale‘s Diaries”. At 6, ham and salad. At 6.30 joined private bus Willersly Corner and to Stratford-on-Avon. (Mrs Carey-Gilson too). Saw King Henry IV, Part 2 – Richard Burton, Harry Andrews, Anthony Quayle, Barbara Jefford. Home at 11.40.
London/Northwood
Friday 25th May 1951
Fine a.m.
Packed bag. Down village with Nellie. Lunch 12. Nellie with me in car (12.30) to Moreton-in-Marsh, train 1.5 to Paddington. Taxi to 119 Bickenhall Mansions 1/8 + 6d. Out to get ticket to Edinburgh. Paid £5.7.6. Alys at flat. At about 4.45 (after “Mrs Dale’s Diaries”) to Northwood. Put 12 eggs in OTEG.
Saturday 26th May 1951
Dull. Rain in p.m.
BHN to Post Office. 10.1 to Baker Street to get reservation changed from 29th to 31st. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. With Alys to Marylebone High Street shops in JLN and then back to Northwood. Phil and Joan very late for lunch – cold beef salad. They Ashridge in p.m. Gardener cut grass. Lois phoned 6.30. Paul very ill in Norwood Hospital (tumour on brain). Alys made kedgeree. O’Shea doing papering all p.m. Lettercards to Ella and Sissie.
Memo:
24th Stratford bus – Stratford and back 4/1 tip 6d. Seat theatre 9/6.
22nd to 25th Broadway £1.05 return. Both ways. Car 26/– (13/–) 1.45 Paddington.
Sunday 27th May 1951
Dull and rain showers.
O’Shea finished spare room and WC and airing cupboard. In garden and orchard. Wrote Nellie, and to pillar post. Alys out in JJ alone. Darned socks and vest. Alys and Phil in loft. Ivory down. “Barchester Towers”.
Monday 28th May 1951
Fair, warm.
Phil in JJ to town. In BHN to Sissie (petrol, oil 8/8). Lunch at café at North Finchley 2/- + 3d. Got pen 3/9 and biscuits 8½ and took to Sissie. Then home by 2.45. Alys still doing airing cupboard, and then to 119 Bickenhall Mansions in JLN. I ironed.
Tuesday 29th May 1951
Fair, mild.
Washed things, ironed too. Mrs Hill, sausages, our rhubarb. I to Bank in BHN. Put sodium chlorite in orchard. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Phil‘s room and we took my pictures down (ready for O’Shea). Began to pack green suitcase. “Report to the People – Malaya” and Bertrand Russell.
Wednesday 30th May 1951
Fair. Mild.
To get Phil’s bacon and our sugar at Sainsbury’s and buy rations at Kingham’s. To Bank and then later to Food Office for emergency. Washed and ironed petticoat and mended it. Derby won by Arctic Prince. Packed. “The Petrified Forest”, Sherwood.
Edinburgh
Thursday 31st May 1951
Fine.
Up 6.30. At 8.30 Colliver Fisher to station 2/6. 8.41 to Kings Cross. Polish porter to Flying Scotsman 1/3. Alys there. 10 a.m. to Edinburgh – lame lady, minor (Easington) and wife and someone else’s girl of three. Two sandwiches and biscuits 1/6 + 3d. Later two ices 1/–. Arrived 5.47. Taxi to 17 Warriston Crescent. 2/6 + 6d. Ella upstairs. I had supper downstairs alone. “Paul Temple and the Jonathan Mystery”. To bed 9.
Friday 1st June 1951
Very fine.
Lettercard to Alys. Out at 10.30 by tram to Princes Street. To Boots for Ella‘s Delax and eucalyptus and menthol. To Jenner‘s for Ella’s cord. To Waverley Station for seat reservation, June 21st. Back other way. Ella down for lunch. Rest. Tea in Ella‘s bedroom and out along Crescent 10 minutes; to post. Supper downstairs alone. Cauliflower and hard-boiled egg.
Saturday 2nd June 1951
Fine, cool.
To MacVittie‘s at 11 to meet Louie Bell; missed each other. Phoned Mrs Gordon. Home at 12.30. Louie and May there. Ella anxious. Rest p.m. out 10 minutes with Ella after tea. Looked at old books (children’s).
Memo:
28th To Sissie.
To Edinburgh 31st – 8.30 Colliver Fisher. 10 a.m. Kings Cross. £5.7.6.
3rd Write James.
Sunday 3rd June 1951
Very fine. Cool wind.
Wrote James with 10/– note, said talk later about something else. To Arboretum? rock garden. Margaret to meeting. Ella out in Crescent. Cold mince. Rests. After tea, I again to Botanical Gardens. Azaleas. Tit took nut from my hand. Ella and Margaret packed.
Kelso
Monday 4th June 1951
Very fine. Hot sun.
Ella and I in car (ordered by Norman Sandeman) at 11 to Kelso, Ednam House Hotel, Rooms 12 and 12a. Lunch. Rests. Huge tea. Sat and garden in hot sun. I to Square and Abbey and Bridge. Dinner 7. Waiter John? Lillian, chambermaid. Same as 1950.
Tuesday 5th June 1951
Very fine and warm.
Out to Reading room. Sat with Ella on veranda. Sunshades. Wrote Alys. After lunch, to sale-room and then to Free Library. Got “Bricks and Flowers”. Tea and then Ella to buy toothbrush. Then we sat on lawn till 6.15. Sewed dress. Salmon and pork so Ella had ham. (Archery). Read A. Bryant to Ella.
Wednesday 6th June 1951
Fair. Cooler, cloudier.
Wrote to Lois and Lucy, with dates. Out by Tweed, back through town. Ella not out. Lemon sole and mince. Rests. Ella wrote to Norman. After tea, both on lawn, walking a little and sitting. I in front garden and walked around. Chicken. Fennel weed and salmon. Fire. Read “Bricks and Flowers” out loud.
Biro filled.
Thursday 7th June 1951
Cold, grey, some sun in p.m.
Wrote Nellie Moir. Biro filled at Wilson’s in Square. Talked to Richardson, Canadian with 3 sons. Ella out several times in garden. Cold wind. Rest. After tea to Reading Room. Then with Ella on seat. Read to her. Fire in lounge. Mr and Mrs Rhys-Meredith? sat next door table.
Friday 8th June 1951
Dull, cold a.m. Hot sunny p.m.
Lettercard from Alys. Meredith away, and 2 other ladies. To Teviot Bridge. Ella out in garden. Read “Bricks and Flowers” to her. Vicky took me for a walk by Tweed. Short rest. Ella’s pen lost. Australian lady talked of her sister in Rome, Tivoli banker, 500 acres and she had been. Million acres in Australia.
Saturday 9th June 1951
Dull, cold.
To Library and Reading Room. Ella only a little out in p.m., on way back from tea. Fire in lounge from 4. New fishermen came. Wrote Alys and Mandy. Out by river, and sat in Memorial Gardens. Read to Ella.
Memo:
4th To Kelso.
5th James‘ birthday.
3rd Wrote James with 10/– note. Card of castle to Amy Steel.
5th Letter to Alys with £3.
6th Letters Lois and Lucy.
7th Letter to Nellie Moir.
Sunday 10th June 1951
Cold and grey except about 20 minutes after tea.
Walked to Teviot Bridge. Birds singing. Ella not out till after tea. Read Vogue. Short rest. Fires in both lounges, and windows shut. Thrush singing till 10.20 (9.20 G.M.T.)
Monday 11th June 1951
Very dark. Drizzle after 6.
Down to Tweed and talked to woman re. flood in her cottage. To Reading Room. Ella not out till after tea. Mr Brooks very nice, lit fire. Ella only out to postbox and little further. Read to her Mrs Everett‘s book. Up to terrace, view of Teviot Bridge and both grand waters.
Tuesday 12th June 1951
Mild. Fine p.m.
To call on Mrs Trainer at Halidon. She gave flowers and scones. Told of son of Ralph Brooks in front line Korea (aged 18 – K.O.S.B. (King’s Own Scottish Borderers)). Mrs Trainer came at 4 and had tea with us, and left at 5.50. I to Library, and passed Brooks’ house and back by riverside. Ella out a little.
Wednesday 13th June 1951
Dull, windy.
Kelso Trade Holiday. Shops shut all day. School children to Berwick. Wrote Lucy. Ella not out all day, I on the bridge (swans). Ella giddy in W.C. so on bed, no tea and cold chicken and cornflour dinner.
Thursday 14th June 1951
Mild. Strong west wind. Some sun.
Ella stayed in bed all day; Mrs Newton in and settled meals; very kind. I to Post Office, wire to Hilda at Wooler not to come. Sent books home. Letter to Alys and Ruffer. Rest. After tea, to Teviot Bridge, swan feeding. After dinner, read to Ella. Maid (Margaret) dropped Ella‘s watch – Uncle Edward (Edward Barnard).
Friday 15th June 1951
Lovely day.
Took Ella‘s watch to Ker, only advice (“Kermit” = left-handed). Ella down in lounge (John, porter, lit fire) and to all meals. I along by backwater (Mill) and back by Chalkheugh Terrace (Mrs Bishop’s house – Mrs Bishop talked Ella). Ella out in front drive after tea. Talked to Piercy’s (from Gosforth) in evening. Wedding party in.
Saturday 16th June 1951
Lovely. Windy – west.
Out to buy chocolates for Ella‘s coupons 5/3 and ask re. transfers butterflies. Read to Ella in bed. Rest. After tea, Ella (still swimmy) out 3 minutes front. I walked uphill towards Yetholm and to Pennicot? Marquee for wedding. Many for dinner. Knitting in lounge. Parkinson-Keyes and spaniel.
Memo:
15th Hilda to tea?
11th Sent off form and cheque £3.11.3 to Dow at Ipswich for Matlock.
14th Sent of cheque £5.5.0 to Ruffer, Oxford.
Persian oil crisis.
Sunday 17th June 1951.
Very fine, with squalls. Colder.
Ella still nausea. Read to her and then out to old Parish Church, octagonal. Organist, Bach, Jesu Joy, Handel, Wagner. No one else in church. Walked by Tweed. After lunch, (Ella, halibut only) rests. She on bed for tea (no eats). I read later, and to her. Then out to Mill backwater in evening. Piercy’s.
Monday 18th June 1951
Fine day.
Packed my and also Ella‘s things. To Library with 3 books. At 1 Norman and Enid Sandeman came. Lunch (on our bill). Ella on bed. They by river, and then I took them to see Bullring and horse show and by backwater, Chalkheugh. All drove to Edinburgh 3 – 4.30. Standard Vanguard. Dr Owen to see Ella at 8.15. All right.
Tuesday 19th June 1951
Fine.
Car 9 to Binns, Innoxa demonstration. Got elastic for Ella’s bag, Gibson’s. Edinburgh rock 10d, shortbread, cheese. Lettercard to Alys. Letter to Kit. Ella seemed better, got her prescribed medicines. Rests. To Botanic Gardens, fed blackbird who sang on grass, and other birds. Read to Ella (from Library). “We Beg To Differ”.
Wednesday 20th June 1951
Fair, windy.
To Botanic Gardens and thrushes and blackbirds fed. Ella not out all day. I took Genealogical book Sandeman and white lilac to Willie and Janet’s, 19 Howard Place by back door. Packed in the evening.
London
Thursday 21st June 1951
Rain a.m. Fine and hot later.
Breakfast 7.45 in bed. Taxi 9 22/– + 6d. 10 a.m. train to Kings Cross. Burton School girls to Newcastle. To Snack Bar – ham sandwich and orangeade 1/6. Also own shortbread and cheese. Sailor man (merchant service) long talks. Very brown and fat. Arrived 5.47. Alys met me and drove us to Kitty’s (with specs) and then Northwood. I drove her to Moor Park at 7.20 and she to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Supper. James Joyce, “The Second-Best Bed”, Shakespeare dialogues.
Friday 22nd June 1951
Fine, very warm.
To get bread and took BHN to Colliver Fisher for rattle (all right). Got ices. Mrs Hills, sausages. BHN to station. 2.14 to Baker Street, got Matlock ticket and ordered bus ticket for Broadway (4th). To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Talk with Alys. Phil came in, and I to Times Book Club for Agar‘s US 15/–, Lyell. Back 4.15 “Mrs Dale’s Diaries”, 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Northwood about 5 train. Picked roses.
Saturday 23rd June 1951
Dull. Cool.
Kitty phoned. George and Joy’s son has been born (Caesarian). To Colliver Fisher to order taxi 8.50 Monday. To Bank and hot pie (Hill) and lettuce. Gardener came, weeded rose beds, sewed parsley and spinach. Wrote Amy Steel – got box of clothes airmail. Wrote Lucy re. bus. Too post and got biscuits, Savoy. Washed and and weeded and felt very stiff in evening. “Brass Farthing”, good play.
Memo:
Mrs Newton charming receptionist.
Tips. John, waiter – Ella 10/- and I 20/-.
Lillian beds 10/- each, Peter 2/6 each.
21st Back from Scotland 10 a.m. – arrive 5.47.
22nd Alys, Phil and Joan to Aldeburgh.
23rd Wrote Amy (re. clothes) and Lucy re. bus to Broadway.
Thrush singing.
Sunday 24th June 1951
Fine, warm.
In garden weeding convolvulus. Wrote Ella, and Norman. To pillar-box. Packed bags, and did sewing. Kit phoned 9.30 a.m. “Pit rescue in Wales”.
Matlock
Monday 25th June 1951
Fine, cool, windy.
Colliver Fisher 8.50. Train to Northwood Hills. Back Colliver Fisher to 12 Grove Road for coats! 9.21 to St Pancras. Train 10.15 to Matlock. Tonnochy and crosswords. Lunch, Mrs Rowland. Taxi with Mrs Turner and Miss Curzon (leg). Luggage fell off. 1/6 Lilybank Hydro. Tea, Crown Hotel 3.30. Coaches 4.30 to Ashover, lead font 1100. Babington tomb. Darley Dale Yew 2000 years old St Helen’s Church. Dinner 7.30. In sun lounge.
Tuesday 26th June 1951
Dull, rain, wind, showers.
At 9.20 in bus to Arbor Low stone circle, ½ mile walk. On to Youlgreave, 5 wells, dressed. Church, alabaster small Cockayne tomb 1488. To Haddon Hall. To Baslow. Lunch Devonshire Arms. To Barlborough Hall – Roman Catholic school. Quince. To Renishaw Hall. Tea, Victoria Café. Chesterfield, twisted spire. Matlock. Dined 7.30. News, crosswords.
Wednesday 27th June 1951
Dull, drizzly.
To Tissington Church, Fitzherbert monuments. To Tissington Hall. Sir William and Lady Fitzherbert received us. Library. Ashbourne. To Oswald‘s Church, Cockayne and Bradbourne monuments and Penelope Boothby aged 6. Grammar School and Dr Taylor‘s house. Lunch, Green Man, Wootton Lodge (fast sold 2 days), Norbury, St Mary’s Church – flowers, Fitzherbert monument, Sudbury Hall, Lord Vernon. Tea Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. Television after dinner.
Thursday 28th June 1951
Fair, warmer.
Lettercard to Alys. To Chatsworth (Duke of Devonshire), special reception and room; genius building. To Bakewell Church. Dorothy Vernon tomb, baby and child. Lunch, Devonshire Arms, Baslow (again). Hardwick Hall. Poor show people. Ignorant in rooms. 2nd party very late. Tea and 2 lots at Hardwick Inn. Remnant came. Bolsover Castle. 2 parties; 1 bus to Chesterfield (Church), Foljambe tombs. Back at 7.45. Farthing lost. Television on.
Friday 29th June 1951
Fine, warm.
Left behind. To Ogston Hall. Colonel Turbutt and son, Gladwyn, and Mrs. To Newstead Abbey (Nottingham), Byron. Lunch Rutland Arms, Ilkeston, Kedleston, Lord Scarsdale. To Derby. Tea and reception by mayor. Back 7.15. Dinner. Mr Tonnochy’s hair on end! (Dr Joseph and Mrs Mason, Tonnachy’s sister-in-law). Ronnie Waldman on television. Packed up.
Northwood
Saturday 30th June 1951
Fine, warm.
At 9, taxi with Peggy Wood, Scouloudi and Dr Joseph to the station. Separated and I on 10.6 train to St Pancras, arrived 1.35. “Z” men in carriage. Taxi to Baker Street, bags in cloakroom. Eggs at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Moor Park on 3.23. Phil met me. Tea. Gardener here – fertiliser and weedkiller on lawn with Phil. Fisher shrimps and lovely sauce, cold lamb, strawberries and cream!
Memo:
25th to 30th Matlock B.A.A. Lilybank Hydro?
10.15 St Pancras £1.19.6.
Posted card to Lois 27th.
Arrived Matlock 1.29 reserved seat.
Sunday 1st July 1951
Very warm and fine. 81°C.
Innoxa – broad bean shelling. Alys rheumatism, but did fried chicken joints and sauce for beans. Rests. Tea. Alys and I to Great Missenden in JLN. Eva, with fingers bound up. Sylvia there. (Rabbit damage in garden). Home at 7.40. Sat on veranda after supper till 9.30.
Monday 2nd July 1951
Hot and fine.
Phil in JJ at 9 to town. Alys and I at 10. I left BHN on Park. On in JLN. To Mrs Leyel 11. Paid Selfridge bill. Lunch with Alys at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Paid rent. To Webster and Girling for bus tickets 4th and bought Ipswich tickets, Lois, Laurie and self. To Northwood. Wrote Baden. Did up boxes. Washed clothes. Cut off roses at 9.45 – 10.
Tuesday 3rd July 1951
Dull, showery.
Defrosted Fridge. Took kitchen wireless to Northwood Hills Radio Shop. Brought Mrs Hill back with me. Washed things. Got my rations. Tits brought babies to wire a basket. A baby starling too.
Broadway
Wednesday 4th July 1951
Dull. Showers. Fine late.
Packed. Cut rosebuds for Alys’ 67th birthday. Mrs Hill made sandwiches. Colliver Fisher at 12.15. Porter at Baker Street to Chiltern Court. Met Alys and Phil lunch. (and Paul Davis). Alys and I taxi Victoria Coach Station (Alys rheumatism). I on 3 bus to Broadway, arrived 7.30. Lucy and Teeds and Mrs Rose supper. Talks re. Teeds.
Thursday 5th July 1951
Fair, cool.
Breakfast to Teeds 9. Lucy bus 10.10 to Berrow. Mrs James came. I to shops. Wrote Eva (with £10 cheque for James‘ bat and her and Teddy‘s birthdays). Got Teeds up at 12.10. She laid cloth. Steamed cod fillets, parsley sauce, peas, rhubarb tart. Rest all p.m. Tea (Teeds laid). Lettercard to Alys and posted it. Teeds out a little. Dominos. Supper 7.10 scrambled eggs, gooseberry’s. Teeds played piano and read Mansfield Park.
Friday 6th July 1951
Mrs Rose to butcher at 8.30. After our breakfasts, I to get paper, met Nellie and with her to 153. Lovely garden. Pauline Barnard there. (“Beautiful Boyds”). Rest after lunch. Tea, Teeds out. I lettercard to Lucy and letter to Kit, posted. Dominos (all 3 of us). Fish pie. Piano. “Any Questions” and Alastair Cook (“Letter from America”).
Saturday 7th July 1951
Fine, warm.
To buy raspberries and tomatoes, and Teeds’ rations (Ball’s). To Miss Birds and ordered “Bridge Coat” in printed linen £5.17.6? Roast lamb and peas, raspberries and rice pudding. Sewed Teeds’ elastic on, sat and did vest tapes. Rests. Gwen came and took all her things. Teeds for walk and I with her (three turns). Dominos. Sewed and News and play.
Memo:
2nd Leyel 11 a.m. Webster and 9 bus.
7th to 13th? To Teeds at Fairview.
4th? 3 – 7 16.6.
5th Lucy to Berrow, near Burnham-on-Sea.
4th 1.29 Northwood, Baker Street 2.
Weekend Mandy to Aldeburgh with Alys, Phil, Wiz, girl.
6th Wrote Kitty.
Thrust singing chromatic.
Randolph Turpin beat Sugar Ray Robinson and is World Champion, Middleweight.
Sunday 8th July 1951
Fair. One shower midday.
Mrs Rose to early service 8. Pauline a little in garden, otherwise not out. Nellie phoned. Rearranged my room, dressing table. Cold lamb and salad, raspberries summer pudding, custard. Mrs Rose out 3 p.m., until 10 p.m. Teeds laid all meals and dried. Out her usual walk after tea. I wrote Ella. Macaroni cheese supper.
Monday 9th July 1951
Fine and hot a.m. Wet and windy later.
Phoned Alys at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. After giving Teeds breakfast at 9.15 as usual, to buy broad beans and blackcurrant and nightlight, and tea (for present for Mrs Rose). Bacon and beans and parsley sauce. Nellie to tea at 4.30. Mrs Rose out (Teeds called her “a dodger”). Dominos. Too wild and wet for Teeds to go out. Poached eggs, cheese, salad.
Tuesday 10th July 1951
Showery, warm.
Teeds awake 8.30, noises; so I gave her breakfast at once. Mrs Rose to buy fish and marrow. Mrs James at 10, and we did laundry. Got Teeds up 12.15. Boiled cod fillets and marrow. blackcurrant pie. Rests. Tea. Wrote lettercard to Lucy, and Alys. To post and got tomatoes. Teeds out her 3 turns. Fish pie, cold boiled bacon (U.S.), salad. Shape and jelly. Cascaral Teeds.
Wednesday 11th July 1951
Sun and showers.
Mrs James at 10. Teeds wakeful, all a.m. Nellie called in. Got Teeds up at 12. Washed her feet. Washed my nightie and ironed it. Stewed lamb and caper sauce, carrots, peas. Mrs Rose to Cropthorne (her Home) till 7. Teeds out her 3 turns. Spaghetti. Dominos after supper.
Thursday 12th July 1951
Fine, warm.
To get rations, met Mrs Jacques and to Picton House and Carmel re. rooms. At 11 to Mrs Fleming‘s (Miss Gibson – Dennis Embleton’s Lab)- dill, southernwood, chamomile, feverfew. Teeds out after tea of scones and cakes (Mrs Rose). Posted card to Elsa. Scrambled eggs with tomato. Mrs Rose to Nellie Moir’s at 8. “John Bull’s Other Island” till 11.10.
London
Friday 13th July 1951
Fair.
Mrs Rose to get fish. Her sister came and they cleaned Teeds‘ room. I packed. Got Teeds up, and lunch. Rest. Nellie Moir at 4. Tea. Mrs Rose pushed chair with my bags to bus stop. Goodbye to Teeds, and 5 bus (10 minutes late). At Oxford, changed and 4 buses to London!!! Arrived 9.30. Taxi 3/9 and 6d. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Alys phoned re. Sunday.
Saturday 14th July 1951
Fine.
Out to Debenham & Freebody sale for ribbon hat – none. Got scarves and stockings and wool frock. Back to lunch. Ironed blouse, and washed ironing board cover. 3.36 train to Northwood. Walked up. Gardener there. Alys and Phil talk of Aldeburgh and Mandy there. Turpin v. Robinson fight record.
Memo:
8th Phone to 119 Bickenhall Mansions re. Alys’ rheumatism. 4/- (1/- a minute).
13th Lucy back; I leave Broadway 5 p.m. arrive 10 p.m.
9th Ella (letter to).
10th Lettercards to Lucy and Alys, 12th postcard to Elsa.
12th To Mrs Fleming at 11 (Miss Gibson of Lab).
Sunday 15th July 1951
Fine.
Ironing and sorting packing. Cold leg and cauliflower, Bruxelles chocolate, coffee on terrace. Alys and Phil on each other’s nerves. Phil working a.m., in hut p.m. Young robin in orchard. Phil took me to station at 5. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Supper. Packed.
Ipswich
Monday 16th July 1951
Fine, very warm.
Taxi 9.25 (Frank) to Liverpool Street station, arrived 9.50. Lois and Laurie too there. 10.30 train to Ipswich, 12.15 (Express). Taxi 1/– each, Crown and Anchor. Lunch. Christchurch Mansion 2.15, Unitarian Chapel 3.30, St Nicholas Church. Tea at shop. Jack Willis and McNamara too. Dinner at 8.30. To Town Hall reception – Mayor and M. speeches. Dr Wheeler and Mayor Colthorpe.
Tuesday 17th July 1951
Fine. Hot.
Breakfast 8, coaches 9.15 to Orford Church, and Orford Castle, Baillie Reynolds. Lunch White Lion, Aldeburgh. Heveningham Hall. Hon. Andrew Vanneck and wife. Geoff Webster, Framlingham Castle. Baillie Reynolds. Tea at Farlingaye Hall. To Sutton Hoo. Dr Wheeler. Back 7.30. After dinner, wrote Alys and to Docks with Jack and McNamara.
Wednesday 18th July 1951
(no weather)
At 9.30 St Margaret’s, double hammerbeam. Sparrowe’s House. Then Lois and I to Museum. Met Laurie, shop, lunch. Hotel. Then 2.15 coach to Saxstead Green Post Mill. 4 Earl Stonham Church (hatchlings?) Tea. Needham Market (served ourselves), Church (high). Home 7.15. Dinner – Laurie and Jack out. (Jack with his friends most of day).
Thursday 19th July 1951
Fine and hot.
9.15 to Ickworth House, Marquis of Bristol and wife and Lady Marjorie Hervey? Geoff Webb. Adams (Gasometer). 12.10 Little Saxham Church, 12.45 Bury St Edmunds. Lunch, Palmer‘s Restaurant. 2 p.m. Moyse’s Hall Museum, Dr M. Wood (Peggy) and Maltby. Town Hall, and Cupola House, Guildhall. Unitarian Chapel 3.25, The Abbey, Mr Whittingham. 4.15 Tea, The Athenaeum. 5.25 St Mary’s Church, 5.45 St James’s Cathedral Church. Back to Ipswich 7.25. After dinner, packed.
London
Friday 20th July 1951
Fine.
9.15 to Little Wenham Hall. Peggy (Dr Margaret Wood). Gifford’s Hall, Stoke-by-Nayland. Lunch, Swan Hotel, Lavenham. Lavenham Church and Guildhall. To Long Melford Church and Ipswich at 6.40. Dinner. Taxi. Taxi 7.30. Train 7.52, arrived Liverpool Street station 9.14? Taxi , 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Slept there.
Saturday 21st July 1951
Fine and hot.
11.15 from Baker Street (Frank took my bags, 2/–). Phil met me 11.44. Unpacked. To Boots. “Flight of Fancy” 2/–!!! Gardener (got his tea) 18/– Wednesday and Saturday. “Gentleman Unknown”, Milne.
Memo:
16th to 20th Ipswich R.A.A. Crown and Anchor.
Liverpool Street station 10.30.
20th Leave Ipswich 7.52, arrive Liverpool Street station 9 or 9.10.
Sunday 22nd July 1951
Fine, warm. Thunder and rain in p.m.
Write Lucy (for cheque), Miss Bird (measurements), Dr Margaret Wood (photo). Took to Post Office. Alys and Phil to 119 Bickenhall Mansions in JJ after ham supper at 8.20. “The Battle of Crete”.
Monday 23rd July 1951
Dull. Drizzle and rain.
Mrs Bearcroft came. Drying Phil‘s yachting trousers and pullovers. To shops in BHN. Paid Smith’s and Charrington‘s bills, got bone-meal 2/6. Defrosted Fridge. “The Hasty Heart”, (Sergeant, Scot with kidney). Darned socks and stockings. Burnt throat with ginger in MacVitties, Guest’s Edinburgh rock.
Tuesday 24th July 1951
Fair, cool.
Some weeding. Phil‘s last socks in disinfectant. Hawkin’s men to see W.C. cistern (water pouring). Alys phoned 3 times re. Amy Steel (and drove JLN from Dagenham to 119 Bickenhall Mansions). Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ and Phil‘s rooms. I in BHN to Northwood Hills – moth paper. “Case of Dr Lamson, (Justice Be Done)”, “Beg to Differ”.
Wednesday 25th July 1951
Fine, warm.
Amy Steel and Alys phoned. I to see Sissie in BHN. Started at 10.30, arrived North Finchley 11.10. Left at 12.45, arrived Northwood 1.20. Lunch, “Jill‘s” 2/9+6d. To Hudson’s and Kingham’s – rations. 1½lb bacon in piece which I boiled. Hawkins to see electric heater. Made cheese puffs, supper. Washed clothes. Gardened.
Housemartin nest – 2 little heads looking out.
Thursday 26th July 1951
Fair. Warm.
Mrs Bearcroft. Did laundry. Wrote Ella. Ironed things. Cheese puffs and spinach (from garden). Picked flowers. Took them to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (3.14). Amy Steel to high tea with Alys and me. Sandwiches. All in taxi to Phoenix Theatre – “The Winter’s Tale”, Gielgud, Diana Wynyard, Flora Robson. I back to Northwood and taxi up at 11.45 or so.
Friday 27th July 1951
Fair, warm.
Phoned Kit and Frank Archer. To shops, meat, fruit. Mrs Bearcroft in p.m. She roasted 1lb pork, cleaned kitchen. Wrote Nellie Moir. Alys came in JLN at 4.50 or 5. Talked. Frank Archer phoned re. Jim on Tuesday. Phil in midnight also.
Saturday 28th July 1951
Perfect day.
Alys to shops. Phil in hut. I did up clothes for Greek villages (Slessor). Mince and spinach and macaroni, melon. Rest and read “Margaret Catchpole”, George Goldsmith Carter. In garden (no Cook!). Phil took BHN and me to see about noise. Salmon, mayonnaise, cold bacon.
Memo:
28th Mrs Bearcroft for holidays.
Sissie a.m. 11 or later? 25th.
26th With Amy Steel to Haymarket Theatre.
26th Wrote Ella with itinerary, Matlock.
Sunday 29th July 1951
Fair, dull.
Did a parcel for Mrs Blain of black coat and green corduroy. Darned socks. All to Berry’s in JJ. Eva and Teddy to cocktail party at friends of Sylvia Lethbridge. We with Eve and Dougal. All supper at 8. Home by 9.45.
Monday 30th July 1951
Fine, warm.
Phil to town in JJ at 9. Alys and I in JLN to Sainsbury’s and I posted clothes parcels and driving license. To Hampstead, lunch at “Two Blues”. On to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. I to herbal shop. Rested. Ham and bacon at 6. Phil in (Paul Davis later). Alys and I 13 bus, Aldwych Theatre. Amy Steel. “Three Sisters” Tchehov – Ralph Richardson, Margaret Leighton, Celia Johnson, Diana Churchill. I arrived back to Northwood at 11.5.
Tuesday 31st July 1951
Fair, warm, dull.
Lunch 12.45. To Waterloo, and by 2.27 to Woking. To Crosslee Hotel, Heathside Crescent to visit Jim Archer. Arrived at 3.20 and had tea, and left at 5.45. He saw me to station. Express Waterloo 6.2 – 6.30. To Festival 4/-. Supper (self-service 2/-). Walked over Waterloo Bridge at 9.30. Home (by Colliver Fisher 2/6) at 10.5.
Wednesday 1st August 1951
Very warm and fine.
To shops in BHN. Bread and Achille Serre. Alys back in JLN for 5 minutes, and back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (Wiz to drive JLN to Aldeburgh). Bacon and sausages. In garden. Wrote Nellie Moir with 2/9½ for Secto. Alys at Moor Park 7.2, met her. Haddock. Talked on terrace.
Slept 119 Bickenhall Mansion – 3rd.
Thursday 2nd August 1951
Very warm and fine.
To get Phil‘s Achille Serre things, and got 2 gallons petrol, and quart oil and tyres. Mrs Hill came and cooked mince and beans. Alys and Phil packed and away in JJ to Aldeburgh at about 3. I in garden, and also doing chiffon blouse (Dorothy Barnard’s). Soup and sausage. Sewed in bed. Eric Barker, “Just Fancy”.
Friday 3rd August 1951
Very fine, warm.
Defrosted Fridge. Man came (from Overend, Maltese) about water heater and window cleaner came. Lunch. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 2.41 train. Met Amy Steele and Mrs Whelan (mother-in-law of Van Dusen) at Chicken Inn 6.15. Very poor dinner. To “Waters of the Moon”, Haymarket Theatre, Edith Evans, Sybil Thorndyke, Wendy Hiller. Slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Saturday 4th August 1951
Warm. Showery.
Cleaned up a little, and then back to Northwood by 11.6 train. Picked spinach (in rain), had it with mince. Gardener cut grass. I in garden a bit, weeding. Darned socks. “Lace on Her Petticoat”, Aimee Stuart. Good.
Memo:
1st Kitty‘s birthday – 72.
2nd To Aldeburgh – Alys and Phil.
31st James back.
30th “Three Sisters” with Amy Steel and Alys.
3rd Amy 6 p.m. “Chicken”.
Mrs Hill back.
31st 2.27 from Waterloo – Jim Archer. Arrive Woking 3.10 5/4 Day Return.
Sunday 5th August 1951
Fair, mild, showery.
Washed things. In garden weeding and tying up plants all day, except 3 – 5, rested and read and slept. Cold mince and salad lunch. Soup and egg on spinach supper. Wrote Alys. “Now It Can Be Told – Torpedo 8”, Battle of Midway, naval torpedo bombers. Gay was sole survivor of Squadron 8, U.S.A.
Monday 6th August 1951
Rain. Mild.
Post letter to Alys. Mandy phoned re. addresses. Put all my pictures up in bedroom and pulled crocodile bag to bits (with brass top). Cleared up the desk a bit. Woke at 3.30 a.m. as boiler boiling cistern.
Tuesday 7th August 1951
Showers. Fine p.m.
Amy phoned re. Jay’s from Kings Cross at 8.30 a.m. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. Took Phil’s suit and my curtains to Achille Serre. To Bank U.F.A.W. (Universities Federation for Animal Welfare) Covenant and Bonds (3½ 90 by instead of 2½ 90). Man from Green Lane Electric Co. to service Fridge. Mrs Hill cooked cauliflower au gratin. Posted two slabs margarine to Alys, letter post. In garden, tying up plants. Cistern still hot, though turned off.
Wednesday 8th August 1951
Milder. Fine.
Man came re. immersion thermostat. I in BHN to post Phil’s watch (registered) to 72 Acre Way. Cox and Bell’s re. garage door frame. After lunch, wrote Alys; and Uxbridge U.F.A.W. Darned socks, “Dan Owen And The Angel Joe” 3 – 4. Carpenter Harding came re. garage from Cox and Bell’s. Posted letters. Weeded and bonemeal on roses.
Thursday 9th August 1951
Sun and heavy showers. Thundery.
Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room, hall. I met Kitty in BHN at 12.8 Northwood. Sat on terrace. Mrs Hill did baked fillets with sauce and parsley, marrow, apricots (U.S.) and semolina and ice cream. Rests after coffee on terrace in sun. Tea (oval Maries by Frear’s, Leicester – lemon). Picked lavender for Kit. Took her to 5.51 train.
Friday 10th August 1951
Fair, dullish.
To Green Lane Electrics Co. Mr Overend re. Camley. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 11.15 train. Phoned Austin, and he sent for the two Hepplewhite chairs. Two egg omelette. Out to Handy’s. Ordered £3.3.0 Book of World Railways for Phil. Paid bill. To Evans and Selfridges. 119 Bickenhall Mansions, “Mrs Dale‘s Diaries”. 4.43 to Baker Street. BHN home. Wrote Jim Archer re. “Shanghai” and lettercard to Alys.
Saturday 11th August 1951
Rainy.
All a.m. dealing with moths – blankets, fur coat, spare room, box room, my cupboard. Stew and cabbage. To Post Office with “Yachting Monthly”, walked in slight rain. Put BHN on charge 3 p.m. Garden, picked lavender, cut dead lilac. Mended black dressing gown. “And No Birds Sing”, by Jenny Laird and John Fernald.
“Alone and palely looking” – (back from holiday)
Memo:
7th Mrs Bearcroft a.m. and Mrs Hill.
17th Steels cruise to Northern capitals.
9th James to Aldeburgh?
9th Kit here?
11th BHN on charge 3 p.m., took off Monday 2 p.m.
BHN on charge Saturday 3 p.m. to Monday 2 p.m.
119 Bickenhall Mansions 15th.
Sunday 12th August 1951
Dull, showery then fine in evening. Cool, very windy.
Quite busy all day turning out cupboard and wool draw and also de-mothing beaver collar to pony coat, taking off beaver cuffs. In garden at 5.30 tying up plants. “The Boswell Story”.
Monday 13th August 1951
Fine, sunny.
Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ room. I doing Phil‘s – moths – blankets and socks and wardrobe. Washed green scarf. Put other underslips on two pillows (ragged). After lunch, defrosted Fridge. Weeded by terrace. BHN too shops – High Street cleaners with Phil’s scarf. Garden, rose beds. “Tartuffe”, Donald Wolfit.
Tuesday 14th August 1951
Showery, coolish.
Took black dressing gown and beaver collar and cuffs to Achille Serre. Mrs Hill fried me fish and chips. Ices, as Fridge went to be overhaulled in p.m. to Green Lane Electric Co. Weeded in front garden. Lettercard to Alys and phoned Eva. Made coleslaw. Sir William Walton‘s gramophone records – “Records I Like”. Very good.
Wednesday 15th August 1951
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft (Alys’ room still). I by 10.16 to town. Tried to find needle threader. Lunch 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Debenham’s. To Times Book Club (see notes). To Tulley‘s (got 6 needle threads at 3d). 45 Bus to Battersea. Statue Exhibition in Park. Bus 137 over Chelsea Bridge to Oxford Circus. Dinner at Club 3/–. Home to 119 Bickenhall Mansions to sleep.
Thursday 16th August 1951
Fine.
Cleaned up in flat. 10.51 to Northwood. Mrs Bearcroft and Mrs Hill there. Carpenter replacing small garage door. In garden a good deal. Cut out check apron. Made fridge cloths. “The Dialogues of Plato”, ‘The Apology’ and ‘Crito’.
Friday 17th August 1951
Showers a.m. Muggy.
No milk! Soup with porridge. Cider with toast. To Casparson‘s re. chairs, and got bread, Post Office, Mrs Hill. I to see Overend at Green Lane Electric re. Camley. Bad news. Repairs. Would cost £20. Offer of 3 month old Frigidaire, £100 and £20 off for old one. Slept on bed in p.m. Mrs Bearcroft did kitchen. Kit phoned. James, German measles. Talked Mrs Cavanaugh. Their friend’s Fridge £80.
Saturday 18th August 1951
Fine.
At 10 with Mrs Cavanaugh to Mrs Genée’s, and talk re. her Prestcold Fridge. £80 but out till September 8th. Phoned Overend, re. Frigidaire. Cook came, cut lawns. I slept. Began sheet sides to middle. Eva phoned. “If This Be Error” by Rachel Grieve – Mary Ellis, Mary Morris and Clive Morton.
Memo:
Fridge collected? 14th.
13th Fridge defrosted.
17th Loan of Fridge?
18th Austin’s men holiday.
15th Mrs Bearcroft (instead of Tuesday) a.m.
Sunday 19th August 1951
Fine.
I got up about 9. Stewed steak and spinach. Made pillowcase, (of old sheet) and cut out another. In garden. Lettercard to Alys and posted it 3 p.m. Rest. “Strangers on a Train” and “The Man in White Suit”, excerpts (“From the London Scene”) 5.30. Egg and salad. Father “John Richardson of Nicobaas”, Compton Mackenzie.
Monday 20th August 1951
Fine.
In BHN to parking place. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 11.14. Phoned Austin. To Haymarket Theatre for glasses (lost, but not there). To Harrods – apron stuff. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch. Austin brought the 2 chairs back. Paid cheque £4.4.0. Cleaned flat a bit. 4.45 to Northwood. BHN home. Ironed mattamac. “The Hinge of Fate” reviewed by Sir Duff Cooper.
Tuesday 21st August 1951
Fair. Warm.
Not out all day, except post with lettercard to Alys re. Bearcroft insurance. Mrs Bearcroft in a.m. spring cleaning Phil‘s room. Ironed mattamac and sewed on crochet. Overend phoned Frigidaire Wednesday 2 p.m. I went on with sheet. Mrs Hill fried plaice, and made curry which I had for supper. Weeded and bonemeal to roses.
Wednesday 22nd August 1951
Dull a.m. Fine p.m.
To High Street (bread) and Post Office. To Green Lane Electric Co. to see Frigidaire. Said send it up. We would buy it. Got 2 gallons petrol and air. Aubergine 9d. Egg and salad. Mrs Bearcroft came. Overend brought Frigidaire and installed it. To Post Office with saving certificate refund form. Ices at Hudson’s. In garden till 8.50. “Let Justice Be Done – The Case of the Staunton‘s”, 4 murders.
BHN on charge 23rd 12 o’clock.
23rd News that Persian (Iranian oil) discussions suspended.
Also Korean talks suspended.
2 Bad News Items same day.
Thursday 23rd August 1951
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. I did laundry (yesterday, it went today). BHN wouldn’t go so I by train to Rickmansworth, arriving 10.37. Met Teddy, with hens and Dougal. Took Dougal back by train to Northwood. Put BHN on charge. Mrs Hill, cauliflower cheese. Rest p.m. Painted Broadway coat. Sent cheque to Fair Isle.
Friday 24th August 1951
Dull, showers p.m.
Phoned Hawkins. Out to Kewferry post with Dougal. Just back when man came with little wireless (Ekco); said it would be 7/6, (sending bill). Hawkins came and took heater away. Mrs Hill, kippers. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen. I to Boots (bill) and Achille Serre – Phil’s scarf back 2/6. Rested. Hawkins brought heater back (over sink).
Saturday 25th August 1951
Fair.
Out in BHN to High Street with Dougal. Bap at Chalet. Cook came – grass, and weeded rose beds. I rested at 4. “Roundabout”, play. Did cuffs of Broadway coat. “Yellow Sands”.
Memo:
23rd Laundry?
21st Steels back 22nd
23rd Ricky 10.30, call for Dougal.
24th Berry’s holiday for 2 weeks. Dougal here.
Sunday 26th August 1951
Sun and heavy showers, gale.
Walk with Dougal over 2 railway bridges. Lettercard to Alys. Rest and “One Minute, Please”, new radio game. Buttonhole on Broadway coat. Sardines and coffee ice.
Monday 27th August 1951
Heavy showers and some sun, cool.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. To Post Office with Dougal. Took £140 out of savings certificates. Put £100 in account at National Provincial Bank. To Green Lane Electric Co. and paid cheque £80 for Frigidaire, and bills 21/6. Worked at sheet and coat (buttonholes). “Hinge of Fate” review by E. T. Williams, very good.
Tuesday 28th August 1951
Fair, very little rain. Close.
Phone from Amy. To shops with Dougal, got piece of ham on bone off ration 3/7. Mrs Hill cooked fish and peas, and minced the tough beef. Ironed and painted seams of coatee. Took Mrs Hill home in BHN. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned hall. “The Little Giant”, Brunel 8 – 9. “Oblation” from French play (“Le Signe de la Croix”), Gabriel Marcel, Jews in France.
Wednesday 29th August 1951
Fair.
To shops and around in BHN. Cold mince and salad. Finished sheet and made pillowcase. In garden at times. With Mrs Cattle and chum in evening for Dougal.
Thursday 30th August 1951
Showers, mild.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting and dining room. Wrote lettercards to Kitty and Alys. BHN High Street and got Phil’s suit 4/6 from Achille Serre and my dressing-gown 5.11. Mrs Hill cooked ham (off ration!) and peas and parsley sauce. Finished off the Broadway coatee at last. No rest. Walk with Dougal. Terry-Thomas good in “Happy Go Lucky”. “Beppo” by Byron.
Friday 31st August 1951
Fine and heavy showers, thunder.
To post National Theatre book to Jim and Digest to Eva. Lettercard to Eva. Letter to Jim. In BHN to Batchworth Heath with Dougal. Mrs Hill, herrings. To Rex in BHN at 1.45. “No Highway in the Sky”, James Stewart, Marlene Dietrich. Very good. Home by 4. Mrs. Bearcroft did kitchen and halls.
Saturday 1st September 1951
Fair a.m. rain p.m.
In BHN to get bacon and butter ration at 9.20. Casparson came at 9.50 to see dining room chairs (shield back) re. reseating. Defrosted Frigidaire (1st time). Cook came, cut grass only 2 – 5? 8/– as rain started. Made Phil’s bed and bottles in both beds. “The Raphael Resurrection”.
Memo:
1st Casparson in a.m. to see chairs.
Dr Baker for ear syringing this month, September.
2nd Eva‘s book from Aldeburgh.
(Kit to Granville Hotel, St Margaret’s Bay. 27th Sully’s Hotel, Perranporth?)
29th Steels’ flight to Milan.
31st “No Highway in the Sky” 1.50 Rex 3/1.
Sunday 2nd September 1951
Fair, dullish.
Wrote Peggy Wood (for photos she sent). To get Radio Times at 9.15 in BHN. Walk with Dougal. No rest as plenty of small jobs about house. Roses. Alys phoned from near Ipswich. Not back to supper. They arrived at about 9.15 (had supper at Ware). To bed 10.20.
Monday 3rd September 1951
Fine a.m. Rain at 6.
Told Alys and Phil Frigidaire story at breakfast. In BHN to get Alys and Phil‘s month’s rations. Mrs Bearcroft here. Cold stew, bacon, herrings lunch. Alys and Phil in JJ at 2 or 1.45 to town, after packing (and unpacking in a.m.). I rested till 4.20. Kitty phoned from Kent. Out in rain with Dougal at 8.15. “Return to Tyassi”, by Benn W. Levy and Robert Harris. Wife – Rachel Kempson, mother – Cathleen Nesbitt, girl – Yvonne Mitchell.
Tuesday 4th September 1951
Very close. Fine and fair.
In all a.m. waiting for man for thermostat. Mrs Hill at 12. In BHN to Boots and got Chappie 2/3 food for Dougal and ½lb peanuts 1/6. Rest after lunch and Mrs Bearcroft let man in to change thermostat. Walk over 2 bridges with Dougal at 5. “Flight Deck”, Kimmins.
Wednesday 5th September 1951
Dull.
Took hepplewhite chair in BHN to Casparsons. Then to Batchworth Heath with Dougall. Danish lady asked way, and I took her to Boots in car. Did net on beret, and tried on dress and cape. Rest. Over 2 bridges with Dougal. Wrote Ella. Weeded. 2nd part of “The Battle of Worcester” – old King out.
Thursday 6th September 1951
Very close. Grey.
Margaret Hindhaugh phoned 8.30. Ella (Eliza “Ella” Reid 1865 – 1951) died at 7.30 a.m., pneumonia. Rang up Alys. Mrs Bearcroft helped with laundry. BHN wouldn’t start, so train and buses to North Finchley to Sissie to tell her of Ella‘s death. Home at 2.15 (2 taxis). Mrs. Hill had cold fillet and peas ready. On sofa in p.m. Out with Dougal. Muggy. Phoned Nellie Barnard in evening (Winnie).
Friday 7th September 1951
Dull, close.
Phoned Alys. In BHN to get petrol, oil and distilled water in battery. Rations at Kingham’s, emergency cards. Mrs Hill made cheese pudding. 1.14 to Baker Street. 119 Bickenhall Mansions Alys and Phil there. Back in JJ with Phil and Alice in JLN 30 minutes later. Wire to Margaret Hindhaugh and cooked 3 plaice and sauce, ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Saturday 8th September 1951
(no weather)
Alys to shops in JLN. I with Dougal, walked to Boots. Phil worked at lathe nearly all day (his foot scraped, so not wearing sock). Packed bags. Mince lunch with rice. Alys phoned Eva at 9 or so and heard Berry’s were home (started at 9 from Cornwall and drove all the way).
Memo:
8th Berry’s back?
6th Laundry.
Boots bill for Alys and Phil £2.10.0 (25/– each) paid 4th.
9th 11.30 Kings Cross, arrive Edinburgh 8.49 £5.7.6.
Edinburgh
Sunday 9th September 1951
Dull.
Alys drove me to Kings Cross in JLN at 9.50. I took 11.30 train to Edinburgh. Lunch and dinner on train 6/– each, 6d tip. 8 stops on way. Arrived at Edinburgh 9.15 (should’ve been 8.49). Dutch woman with 2½ year boy, David Moor. Norman Sandeman met me. Talk with Margaret in drawing room till 10.40.
Monday 10th September 1951
Cold. Dull.
Read Ella‘s book of wishes for disposal of things. Out and paid Murray’s bill. Wrote Eva re. piano, and K. Brims and Alys. Lunch. Rest. Margaret to see Ella‘s grave with Willie Sandeman. At 4 Mr Campbell (solicitor and Ella‘s Executor) came; and W.B.S. (William Boswell Sandeman, Norman’s father). At 5.30 Lewis and Frances.
Tuesday 11th September 1951
Dull, mild.
Got up at 9.30. Wrote to Nell Sandeman, and Ted Reid. Out to buy paper and string, and sealing wax. In p.m. rested. Wrote Dorothy Thorburn and Menie Reid. Margaret wrote many letters. Out to Botanic Gardens till 6.30. After supper, Dennis Sandeman called in car and took me to his and Jane‘s new house. Home at 9.15.
Wednesday 12th September 1951
Fine. Mild.
Wrote Sissie and Amy. To post. Valuer at 10.30 till 1. Lewis Sandeman called for me and I to lunch with them at Oxgangs Road, Fairmilehead. In garden and Lewis drove me home. Went over clothes with Margaret and began parcels. Bob and Winnie Waterston came and Dennis and Jane Sandeman.
Thursday 13th September 1951
Showers.
My 72nd birthday. Telegrams from Alys and Kitty. Did up parcels, wrote Hilda. Margaret wire that her mother died. Posted parcels Wilkinson and Hilda. Met Louie Bell, lunch Crawford’s. To station for reserved seat, to Binns for bag for Murphy 23/6. Home by 9 car. Rest. Mrs Douglas at 5. Did up parcels. Gerard Sandeman at 8.15, Genealogist. Roger Sandeman for china. Phoned Janet re. their invitation to stay.
Friday 14th September 1951
Sun and heavy showers.
Did up Sheffield plate and watch for Ted Reid; wrote to him. Did up plate and silver for Nell Sandeman. Did up “Roman Wall”. Took them to post. Lunch 12.30. Gerard called for Margaret and she away to Newcastle to her mother’s funeral. Put labels on furniture. Wrote Eva, lettercard Alys, Lois. To 19 Howard Place at 6.40. Supper and night at Willie and Janet’s. Read “Kontiki”.
Saturday 15th September 1951
Fine, windy.
Breakfast in bed at 8. Over to 17 Warriston Crescent by back path. Did up eiderdown and sheets and books, and put labels on my things. Out to post twice in a.m. Cold chicken and lettuce. Wrote a Nellie Moir. Herriot (Elizabeth’s husband, Ken’s son-in-law) called. To Botanic Gardens 5 till 6. Mrs Douglas called. Wrote Campbell with list. To Willie and Janet‘s at 7. Supper. To bed 9.45.
Memo:
10th Mr Campbell 4 and Willie Sandeman, Lewis at 12.30, lunch with Louis and Frances.
11th Valuer at 10.30.
11th To Jane and Dennis.
13th Louie Bell, Crawford’s 12.30 Princes Street entrance.
13th Mrs Douglas 5.
16th 11.10 train, arrive 7.55.
Ella left me £200.
Edinburgh to Newcastle – 2 hours 40 minutes, Ferryhill (through Stockton/Eaglescliffe).
Election day to be October 25th.
Northwood
Sunday 16th September 1951
Lovely day till 4, then rain.
Breakfast 9. Janet had news of sister’s death. Over to 17 Warriston Crescent at 9.30. Packed bags, clematis and Murphy. Norman came 10.30, took me to Waverley and into train 11.10. Lunch 6/– and very slow route via as above. 4 young men in carriage. Dinner 6.30. Arrived Kings Cross 8.30. Due 7.55. Alys and Phil met me to Baker Street. 9.4 train to Northwood – Colliver Fisher 2/- and 6d.
Monday 17th September 1951
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room. I to Casparson and brought chair back; then took 2nd chair. To Hudson’s. Lunch 1.30, cold meat. In garden, tidying up, tying up. Wrote Janet and Willie, and to post. Picked roses and sweet peas. Supper at 7.30. “The Pimlico Mystery – Let Justice Be Done”. Cox painted garage door.
Tuesday 18th September 1951
Fair.
Took 2 other chairs to Casparson in a.m. Got 1 down from loft. Mrs Hill cooked mince. I took her home, and 5th chair to Casparson.
Wednesday 19th September 1951
Fine.
Amy Steel phoned. Met Alys at shops in BHN. Back, and then she and I to 119 Bickenhall Nansions in JLN. Lunch (rissoles). I to Bruce Green. Walked (picking up tickets at Princes Theatre). To Handy’s shop. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Alys and I to “Man and Superman”. 5.15 (sandwiches – tunny) 7 – 7.30. Play till 11. I arrived Northwood 12. Walked home. John Clements, Kay Hammond.
King to have operation on lung. Announced 22nd.
Thursday 20th September 1951
Fair. Dull.
Defrosted Frigidaire. Undid parcels. Mrs Bearcroft did sitting room. In BHN to Post Office. Got 11.44 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Then with Alys to Cavalier, Dover Street. Met Amy and Mandy, 1 o’clock lunch. Paid our share. At 2.20 I onto Harrod’s; then Victoria and Albert Museum, Victorian Photographic Exhibition and Book Exhibition (500 years). Boswell manuscript. Home to Northwood and BHN by 5.15.
Friday 21st September 1951
Fair.
In BHN, for rations, Kingham’s. To Casparson, brought back chair. Took armchair. Mrs Hill (cheese pudding). Phil home (Alys’ car between two others). Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. I got Phil‘s tea. Then in BHN to Colliver Fisher. Left car there for greasing. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To E.S.U. Met Amy Steel 6.15, snack bar. To Saville Theatre, “Gay’s The Word”, Ivor Novello’s last. Cicely Courtneidge. Slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Saturday 22nd September 1951
Fine.
Round to pay electricity bill. To Sherlock Holmes Exhibition. 11.21 from Baker Street. Got BHN from Colliver Fisher. Home and lunch with Alison Phil, fishcakes. Sat on seat on terrace. Gardener did mowing. Wrote Mr Campbell and to Post Office. Showed Alys things from Ella. “Once A Crook”, play.
Memo:
(17th Dennis died 1944).
20th Amy Steel – Cavalier, Dover Street 1 o’clock.
21st Amy Steel E.S.U. 6.15 Seville Theatre “Gay’s The Word”, Cicely Courtneidge.
The King operated on, on 23rd. Lung resection. Dr Pryce-Thomas did pneumonectomy.
Sunday 23rd September 1951
Rain a.m. Sun p.m.
Wrote Margaret re. Sissie’s rugs and clock (shawl). Phil at lathe. Sewed blue chiffon scarf in cape. Cold lamb joint, Fropax packs peas, potatoes in jackets, cherry pie and cream. Bulletin about King‘s operation 4.30. 2nd one at 9.30 – 10. Scrambled eggs and ham. Alys and Phil away to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Phil left JJ at Colliver Fisher. They on in JLN.
Monday 24th September 1951
Dull, windy.
Mrs Bearcroft did dining room. In BHN to Casparson; brought back armchair, bread, Goldilocks. Picked roses and sweet peas. Sewed hat and mended chiffon scarf. After lunch, wrote Amy Steel for Swiss chocolates. To Post Office at 6.15. Phoned Phil at Bicky re. exam. Play, “The Cross And The Arrow”, Albert Maltz, Gielgud, Hayes and Wolfit.
Tuesday 25th September 1951
Dull, rainy.
To Casparson. Paid cheque £13.0.0 for 6 chairs done. To Northwood Hills. Vidor battery 6d. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room. Mrs Hill fried fish for me and did mince. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 5.30. On with Alys, Phil, Eva and Teddy and JLN to E.S.U. Steel’s cocktail party, Mrs Van Dusen (Mrs Whelan, daughter). Went to Chinese Restaurant after at 8. I to Northwood 9.30.
Wednesday 26th September 1951
Fair.
Did laundry. Walked to Boots for James‘ book. Washed clothes. Ironed after lunch. (Phil at Clinical exam 3 – 5?.) “Hart Royal” and “The Nail” – 2 good little plays p.m. in the afternoon. Wrote Margaret. Alys phoned. Planted Norman’s ceanothus. “Joseph Proctor’s Money”.Grave crisis in Persian (Abadan) affairs.
King gaining strength, and all week improving.
Thursday 27th September 1951
Rain.
In BHN to Mrs Hill’s. To Jones’ to order lobster and rabbits. Paid Casparson another £1. Home. Walked to station. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. On to Club. Amy Steel came there. 1 o’clock lunch. Bus to Wyndham Theatre, “The Love Of Four Colonels”, Peter Ustinov. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions, Phil and Alys there. Home to Northwood via Moor Park. Back at 7.45, Colliver Fisher. BHN on charge all night. Supper.
Friday 28th September 1951
Fine.
To get bread and cheese and lettuce in BHN. In garden, and also tidied sitting room. Cut hedge. Mrs Hill came and put whole rabbit in casserole with raw onions! and roasted beef. Spam and beans for us. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen and hall. Alys and Phil home at 4.30. Tea on veranda. Phil‘s birthday, 38. Cold beef and beans, grapefruit. “Any Questions” at 8.
Saturday 29th September 1951
Fine.
Amy Steel to spend “the day”. Sat on veranda (knitted). Rabbit casserole, cheese, coffee (peas Fropax). Tea on veranda. Alys drove JLN with Amy and me to Eva‘s. In garden. Eve stringing tobacco leaves in kitchen. We took Amy to Moor Park, 6.7 train. Phil sick, so to bed. Alys and I lobster!! “Mrs Gorringe And Her Necklace”.
Memo:
Steel’s cocktail party 25th.
Amy flies back to U.S.A. 30th.
24th Phil’s exams and 26th p.m.
26th Laundry.
27th Wyndham‘s matinee, my Club 1 o’clock.
28th Phil’s 38th birthday.
Gladwyn Jebb and Mohammad Mossadegh to Security Council – Persian oil.
Festival of Britain closes, 30th.
Sunday 30th September 1951
Fair.
Phil in bed all day, but not sick after 2 a.m. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions, and ate sandwiches. On to St Paul’s (tube). Number 15 bus to “Lansbury”, East India Dock Road. New flats, houses, market for Architectural Exhibition for Festival. Back by 15 and 22 buses to Baker Street. Home at 6.45 (BHN).
Monday 1st October 1951
Fair, mild.
Phil in bed all day, better. Alys to shops, and then I to Boots and Mrs Hill’s. Mrs Bearcroft in p.m. I rested p.m. Tea in Phil’s room. Alys boiled a chicken. Sat in Phil’s room in evening.
Tuesday 2nd October 1951
Fair, dull.
Phil in bed all day, but supper downstairs. In BHN to see Sissie at 46 Torrington Park. Took shawls from Ella (Sissie’s first cousin). Lunch at “Lavender Lady”, 2/6 with tip. Back to Sissie, and away at 2.30. Eva to lunch at 12 Grove Road. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. Sat in Phil‘s room after supper. Barnard pedigree.
Wednesday 3rd October 1951
Fair, very mild.
In BHN to get cake for Sissie. To Bank. Phil up, and lathe and grinder. Harding doing garden-seat, paint off and first coat. Alys made curry of chicken. I posted cake to Sissie and letters to Amy and Mr Campbell. Wrote to Nell Sandeman too. Picked sweet peas. Baby martin in nest chirping, deserted?
Thursday 4th October 1951
Fine, cooler.
Mrs Bearcroft in. Harding painting seat. I watched baby martins in nest. Alys did laundry. Wrote postcard Margaret. Phil to Watford. Alys to Kitty’s for lunch and tea in JLN. Mrs Hill, steak for Phil, cold meat me. Rested. Tea with Phil. Wrote Calton re. apple trees. (Berry). Listened horse-jumping competition, Colonel Llewellyn and Foxhunter.
Friday 5th October 1951
Dull.
To get rations, Kingham’s. Mrs Hill fried fish and chips. Phil in JJ (GFH). Took me to Baker Street tube to Bank. To Dodd’s in Cornhill, to value brooch, rings, tie pin – £15. Left my watch for new winder. To Craven Street, gave £2 cheque British American Association. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions, paid rent. Sent brooch to Amy Nelson.
Saturday 6th October 1951
Fair.
Alys to shops. Did Phil‘s screw tin‘s lettering. Phil made lead-lined creosoted box. Gardener did grass, and then picked apples. Alys fetched Eve, after tea in JLN. Phil cleaned green hut and garage cupboard. I helped Alys, Eve and black guinea pig at 7. Cold bacon. Play “Release”, good.
Memo:
30th Amy flies to U.S.A. 8.15 for 9 p.m.
2nd Sissie ?
3rd Posted cake, Sissie.
1st Eva to see Dr at Sloane Square re. feluccas.
Sunday 7th October 1951
Fine.
Alys in JLN and drove Eve and Chikawa Chinanee and me to Great Missenden. Left Eve there. (Katharine Buchanan going for 2 nights.) I tried on apron I’m making Eva. Back for cold beef lunch. Sewed plastic check apron in p.m. Phil in hut. Sidney and Dennis Laughton called 5.45 – 7.45. Scrambled eggs. “Air-Piracy”, Wong.
Monday 8th October 1951
Fair, fine p.m.
Alys and Phil away in JJ to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room. Washed things. In BHN to Bank and paid gas and Smith’s bills. Cold meats and salad. Defrosted Fridge (very slow). Sewed Eva‘s apron. “The Black King”, matinee. After supper, sewed again. “Uncle Vanya”, Margaret Leighton, Tchekov.
Tuesday 9th October 1951
Fine.
Phoned Beeson‘s re. stove. Coal came. Finished Eva‘s check plastic apron. To shops for ice cream and biscuits, lettuce. Mrs Hill fried fish and chips. Packed apron and apples and posted to Eva. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Phil‘s room. Did Ella‘s grey jersey skirt. Wrote Ayrton’s and Amy Steel.
Wednesday 10th October 1951
Very fine.
Washed things. In BHN to get bap. Early lunch. To Mrs Hands with Amy Steel‘s coat. To Woollands, grey overcoat. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions and got green coat, took to Hands (closed!) To Woollands. Paid cheque for coat and took home (tube) to Northwood. Alys and Phil home! Haddock, cream cheese. Talked about Richard III and Wars of Roses. History books after.
Egypt rejects 4 power offer on Middle East – 15th.
Thursday 11th October 1951
Very fine.
Phil drove to Hampton to take dinghy engine. Took me with him. Back to lunch. Mrs Hill, liver and onions. Ironed all p.m. “Tea-time Talk – Night Encounter”, lion story”. Phil at lathe a lot. Early to bed.
Friday 12th October 1951
Very fine.
Phil got letter, failed (not to go up for pathology viva). I in BHN to Dr Baker’s at 9. At 9.40 he got wax out of my ears. Mrs Hill boiled turbot with sauce. Alys and Phil to 119 Bickenhall Mansions, and Phil’s refill at Smart’s 3.30. I sewed Alys’ black and silver plastic apron. Joan Frankton phoned – passed to pathology viva stage. I planted Maggie‘s plants. Alys and Phil back 5.45. Avocado pears, bacon and mushrooms.
Saturday 13th October 1951
Drizzly.
Alys took me to station. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. On to Woollands; got green coat. To Bank. Lunch 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Mandy Steel at 3.30. We bus and tube to Church Row – Ayrton’s (Longden, Theo and Tessa) sketches and cocktails. Mrs Marsden, Berwick’s, Adrian, Kitty, Keith). Went back to 53 Frognal and then to Northwood by 7.30. Phil met me. Soup and kedgeree. Stupid play, “The House By The Sea”, (“The Ghost and Mrs Muir”).
Memo:
8th Defrosted Fridge, stove Beeson’s.
13th 4 – 7 Ayrton’s. Mandy calls for me.
11th Probably hear about exam (heard on 12th).
9th Airmail to Amy Steel.
12th Phil‘s refill.
Josephine Tey, (Gordon Daviot).
Biro refilled 2/6.
I slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions – 17th
Sunday 14th October 1951
Fair, dull.
Phil in green hut making boiler. He painted stools green too. I wrote Maggie (for plants), Hilda and D. Thorburn and phonebook re. 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Out for roses, and weeded. Wrote Ernest Miles (Sissie).
Monday 15th October 1951
Fog a.m. Hot sun p.m.
To High Street (5 herrings) and Ann Ellis (cardigan). Diary and biro filled at Rawlinson’s. Phil, green hut. Cold beef. Took Alys to station. She to tea and supper with Helen and Dolly. Phil rested on veranda. I to Mrs Hill’s. Melted bad bacon fat. Cooked parasol mushrooms. Tea on veranda. Grilled herrings and apple purée, supper. Irish play.
Tuesday 16th October 1951
Fog, then sun.
In loft, took felt up. Washed things. Mrs Hill did mince. Phil in green hut and lathe room. Walked to post. “Shanghai” to Jim Archer and letter. Finished Alys’ black and silver apron. Cod and walnut pickles. “My Six Convicts”, Dr Charles Hill’s political, “A Man of God”, Gabriel Marcel.
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The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate 