In 1952, Kate is 73 years old and Alys is 68 years old. Eva is 43 years old and Philip is 39 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son). James is 14 years old (Eva and Teddy’s son) and Eve (Eva and Teddy’s’ daughter (my mother)) is 12 years old.
This Diary Belongs To:
Name: Katharine Boyd
Address: 119 Bickenhall Mansions,
Baker Street, London W.1.
And
12 Grove Road,
Northwood,
Middlesex
Telephone Nos:
Welbeck 6522
and Northwood 1356
Tuesday 1st January 1952
Fine. Coldish.
Cleaning and to shops. Alys back, lunch together. Cold beef and salad. Men on balcony for electricity. Off for hour or so. Alys made red rice for supper. (Paul Davis with Phil so Alys only went at 7.45). Phil had Price Thomas to see him (1st time) in p.m.
Wednesday 2nd January 1952
Fine. Showery.
I to Phil at 10.45. Bacteriologist, Dr Stokes (Eva‘s Jane Rook Sherborne) there. Back 12.45. Alys to 12 Grove Road in p.m. to get things. I to local shops. Alys U.C.H. at 730. (Play, “Epitaph For A Spy”). Paul Davis rang up.
Thursday 3rd January 1952
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft came and cleaned floors. I to 12 Grove Road. Keys for gardener. Phoned laundry (Chesham). Got prescription for Alys. Lunch at café on bridge 2/6. Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Alys to Phil 345, I after her with magazines and then to Remington with razor. Back by 123. Rest. Supper 7.30. Alys back 7.40. To bed 9. “Sloppy Yuleship”.
Friday 4th January 1952
Fair. Rain later.
To get Times. Alys took my pyjamas to Danish laundry, and then to Phil. I took Alys’ coat Selfridges Achille Serre. Minced beef for lunch. Alys back, and out to shops p.m. I did accounts and wrote 2 cheques. Rest. Sewed kettle holder and gloves. “Beetles”. Haddock supper. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 5th January 1952
Fair.
Alys to U.C.H. I took Fern’s for coffee, and webbing at Bourne & Hollingsworth. Grilled herrings. Alys back, Phil very depressed about P.T. (physical therapy) and no bronchoscopy – get better soon. Alys and I rested and listened in rugger – South Africa versus England. Then Alys to Phil, and back at 6 (Paul Davis). Eggs and bacon. Alys to Phil again at 7. I mended her basket. She back at 9.15.
Memo:
3rd Mrs Bearcroft here a.m.
Alys and I at Bicky. Phil U.C.H.
Sunday 6th January 1952
Dull, dark, damp.
Alys to Phil at 10.30. I sewed, and then opend sausage tin and did potatoes and apples. Alys back, lunch. Rest. I at 4.5 to Phil, till 6.50. Middlesex Hospital nurse; Australian nurse and Irish red belt. Alys at 6.50 and I home. Eggs. Alys back at 9.25.
Monday 7th January 1952
Dull, damp, mild.
Alys to shops. James arrived and out with Alys to Bond’s. They back lunch – tongues, salad, cheese. I out shopping alone. Alys bought boots and shoes Hardy’s. I washed things. Tea. James by 5.1 Marylebone. Alys to Phil; back for supper 7. Mandy phoned. Kippers. Alys to Phil till 9.
Tuesday 8th January 1952
Dull, mild, damp.
Phil phoned Paul Davis, cold so not going. I to Phil 10.50. Booth with cow, milked! I at 11.45 on to Bassett-Lowke and Remington (Phil’s razor), Bourne & Hollingsworth apron and Lilley‘s shoes. Lunch at Club. Collected Alys’ coat Selfridge’s Achille Serre. Home. Alys to Phil. Rest. Supper. Alys in for supper and out. I to British American Association 8.30, Craven Street, Empire Assembly Hall. Herbert Agar spoke of the “Unity of the West” – he signed his History of U.S.A. for me.
Wednesday 9th January 1952
Cold wind.
Alys to Phil. I to get her coat-belt at Selfridge’s Achille Serre and Mrs Hands for our Amy Steel‘s coat. Lunch at home alone. Alys in Coventry Street with Mandy. I to Phil at 4.30 – 7. “Smart …. to all his news really will have killed me” (if bronchoscopy shows operation possible) and Alys to Phil.
S.S. Flying Enterprise sank 10th. Captain Carlsen and mate, Dancy of Turmoil saved. Carlsen 7 days alone onboard. Jumped off end of funnel, close to sea.
Thursday 10th January 1952
Sun, showers.
To shops. Alys to Phil. Home, dusted. At 12.30 Eva and Eve came; and James later. Alys, and all 5 of us had lunch – tongues, sausages, chocolate mousse. Then James and Eve to Waterloo (to meet Kath and Barbara for ballet at Festival Hall.). Eva to see Phil; I took Phil‘s pyjamas to Danish laundry. Got Senior’s potted meat. Alys and I at home and James and Eve back at 6.5. They to Marylebone, met Eva for 6.26 train to Great Missenden. Alys and I eggs and early bed. Wiz to Phil.
Friday 11th January 1952
Fine.
Alys to get jigsaw and Phil. I to Northwood and brushed and oiled lathe. Lunch on bridge 1.30. Back to Bicky. Rest. Alys lunch at Roche’s). To B.A.A. – Bruce Mitford on Sutton Hoo, very fine coloured slides. Home 7.15. Alys at 8.15 Phil had aspiration, and phoned afterwards. All right (Jones).
Saturday 12th January 1952
Fine, cool.
Alys to Phil. I to shops, and to Phil at 11 till 12.30. Back to lunch. Mince and sprouts, baked apples. To shops, and Post Office at 2.15. Alys rested, and to Phil at 4.15 (Joe Smart and Peter Jones, Clement Price Thomas’ Registrar at Brompton came in while I with Phil). Defrosted Fridge (Electrolux). Alys at 9.20. Play. Call for Achille Serre coat p.m.
Memo:
11th B.A.A. lecture Sutton Hoo, tea 4.30.
9th to 12th Mrs. Hands.
7th James lunch.
10th Eva to Phil.
8.30 British American Association Herbert Agar Assembly Hall of Royal Empire Society, Craven Street entrance W.C.2.
10th Berry’s lunch, ballet.
Sunday 13th January 1952
Colder. Rain in p.m.
Alys to Phil. I to get papers and then cleaned larder and moved things to make room. Lunch of “puppy” and salad, plums. Rest. Alys out at 6.15 to Phil (Wiz at teatime). “Over To You” 6.30. Wrote Lucy Brewtnell and Edith Bache. Alys back at 9.15. Paul Davis phoned. (I phoned Lois a.m.).
Monday 14th January 1952
Dull, fair.
Alys to shops (Paul Davis to Phil). I at 11 walked to Leyel (shop) – appointment for 18th – on to Onsite and walked on to Fern‘s, Rathbone Place for coffee. Bus home. “Puppy” lunch. Rest. “Any Questions”. Alys to Phil 4.30. I washed Rhodian plates. I to Phil at 7.37 (Nurse Hazel Oakridge, Margot Alan (Middlesex Hospital)). Phil had had Clement Price Thomas, Smart and McRae (anaesthetist) and Peter Jones and Dr Baker all in.
Tuesday 15th January 1952
Dull, fair and mild.
Alys in all a.m. reading on divan (Paul Davis with Phil). I to Edgware Road. Then Alys and I lunch at Club and to Woolworths (Phil having a bronchoscopy at 3). Alys to U.C.H. at 4.45. She phoned 6.45 – all well. Not in to Phil till 8. She home at 9 (20th fixed for big operation).
Wednesday 16th January 1952
Fine
I to Phil at 10.30. Stayed only 10 minutes or so, as his throat sore from bronchoscopy. Home. Alys to Phil. Paul Davis took Alys and me to Chiltern Court, lunch at 7/6 each (we paid ours). Home. Rests. Alys to Phil 4.30. I to R.A.I. – Lady Fox on hill slope forts 5 – 6. Lois and Laurie there. Jack Willis gave me dinner at Empire Club.
Thursday 17th January 1952
Cold.
Alys to Phil. Mrs Bearcroft came; cleaned till 12. Gave her 28/- (3/- ticket). Mary Miles called at 12.10. Alys back 12.40. Mended basket p.m. Alys out. I took pyjamas to Swedish laundry; walked to U.C.H. Wrote Nellie Moir. To 5th floor. Betty Gordon Holmes, then Wiz to see Phil. I at about 5.20. Peter Jones for aspiration, so I away at 6. Alys in the evening to Phil and home 9.20. Churchill Congress speech.
Friday 18th January 1952
Cold.
Phoned Mandy. Alys to Phil and Cave’s. I to Leyel at 10.10. (Wiz to Phil). Home, made yoghurt. Alys out to lunch at Green Lizard. Both rested 1 p.m. Alys to Phil (to Harrods for 12 oysters first). I cleaned broom cupboard and mop. Spaghetti (Alys met Sir Clement Price Thomas in Phil’s room).
Saturday 19th January 1952
Cold.
To Phil at 10.45 with eggs and soup. Then to High Street for pork (Alys to Fern’s and then Phil). Lunch, eggs and bacon. Alys, buckling. Then rest. Mandy to Phil at 4.30 (Nurse Booth left). Alys at 5.30, and home to supper; Paul Davis with Phil 7 – 8.15. Alys back to Phil till 9. “The Franchise Affair”.
Memo:
16th Hill slope forts R.A.I. 5 o’clock Lady Fox.
Bronchoscopy this week? Tuesday 3.30 Price Thomas.
17th Mrs Bearcroft.
17th Wrote Nellie Moir.
18th Leyel 10.10.
19th a.m. Smith’s for China.
Sunday 20th January 1952
Very cold. North wind. Ice in park.
Alys roasted little joint of pork; Eva came to lunch, after going to see Phil at 11.15 till 12.50. I went for a walk in Regent’s Park. Eva away 5.15. Alys to Phil at 4.45, and back at 9.15 (Phil sick and diarrhoea). Sardines on toast.
Monday 21st January 1952
Dull and cold.
Alys to Phil. I to find car hire (night service). To shops. Alys to Harrods. Alys back at 1.20, lunch. I to Northwood for Alys’ medicine at Boots. Got 2nd month of emergency cards. Back 4.30. Mrs Hill in, tea. Alys to Phil 5.45, home 7.45. We went to Chinese Restaurant. Supper. Home 9. Alys phoned Dr Baker. Wiz phoned Alys; their Night Sister phoned Alys again. Price Thomas not come yet.
Tuesday 22nd January 1952
Very cold and very dark.
Eva came at 12.9 and she and Alys out to lunch at Blue Windmill, Windmill Street. I lunch here. They back, talked. At 3.45 they to U.C.H. I to get Alys’ brooch. All at U.C.H. Phil being operated on by Clement Price Thomas 4 – 7. Ernest came in. I home to get sandwiches. Dudley Baker and Clement Price Thomas told Alys “all well, so far but four days of great anxiety”. Back to supper and Eva away by 8.23. Alys phoned Kitty at Springfield.
Wednesday 23rd January 1952
Dull.
Alys phoned Sister and to see Phil 2 minutes – he smiling. I to Wigmore Street. Wrote Nellie and Sissie. Tongue lunch. Rest. Shops for rhinitis, Club and wrote Parke Davis, Hounslow. Alys phoned Cave’s (Will) and Dudley Baker and Nurse Allen. Fish and egg sauce.
The Four Days – 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th.
Thursday 24th January 1952
Dull, damp.
Sister – “having a rough passage”; anxious but on whole normal course. Alys indoors all day, cold. Rhinitis. Mrs Bearcroft came and cleaned 28/-. I took Phil‘s pyjamas to Danish laundry in p.m. Got hairnets. Alys rang up Helen. I rang Cattle’s. We did crosswords. Dr Smart rang Alys about 9.45. Sister said Phil slightly less worried. Rang Mandy.
Friday 25th January 1952
Cold.
9 a.m. Sister said Phil much better – tea and toast. Alys went to U.C.H. and looked at Phil through door (Alys a cold. I to Northwood for rhinitis pills and ordered them at Collin’s. Back to lunch. Mince. Both rested all p.m. Not quite such a good report at 6, but Nurse Thomas said all was well at 9.30 (smoked salmon sandwich and evening paper!)
Saturday 26th January 1952
Cold. Frost in park.
Alys to Phil. I to Dorlons and Fern’s. Walked there. 1 bus back from Goodge Street. Grilled pork chops. Rest. I to Phil at 3.30 for about 5 minutes. He said he “too dopey for visitors”. Alys went at 6 and back 7.50. Booth in. Phil grave. Ernest took him caviar and wine. Aspirations. “A tremendous op – everything involved, and had to come away. Extra pleural”.
Memo:
22nd Phil’s extra pleural pneumonectomy by Price Thomas or possibly lobectomy 2 p.m. till 7 p.m. in Theatre..
26 Cave’s to Celerina.
Sidney Allard won Monte Carlo Rally in Allard.
Stirling Moss 2nd.
Coldest day for 5 years.
Sunday 27th January 1952
Very cold, fine.
Phil rang Alys about 9.30 (fluid round heart?) Alys rang Ernest and then went to U.C.H. I did cleaning. Alys back at 12.50. Mince, lunch and then Alys to 12 Grove Road for cushion, and found burglars had been. Got police. I took lemon Idris to P.P. wing, and back by 2.15. Alys back at 5 and to Phil and not home till 9. Phil great discomfort – pillows. Alys phoned Eva and Cattle’s.
Monday 28th January 1952
Cold but thawing.
Alys to Phil. I to Northwood 9.20. Mrs Bearcroft and C.I.D. man. About 45 minutes talking and trying to list what was stolen – watches, brooches, Vidor set. Lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions with Alys who depressed about Phil. But she 3.30 till 6 to Phil who better and again 6.45 till 8. Clement Price Thomas had seen Phil and satisfied. Alys very exhausted.
Tuesday 29th January 1952
Fine.
Alys to Phil, who better night. I to buy vegetables. Phoned Kitty. Alys and I lunch of grilled Norwegian herrings. Rest in p.m. Alys to Phil 4.45 – 8.5. I wrote to Nellie Moir and Sissie and Baden Blain. “James Bridie”, Alastair Sim. Alys back and soup. “Today in Parliament” (opening day).
Wednesday 30th January 1952
Fair.
Alys to Phil. I to shops. Eva to lunch 1 and away 2.10. Alys and I rest, but Alys to Phil at 4. She took sandwiches but back at 5.50, and lay on the divan and ate them. Then slept. I supper 7. To British American Association (Allied Club, 46 Green Street). Mrs Berly Northcott, Lady Margaret D’Arcy, Miss Bronwyn Lloyd Williams, Professor Newall.
Thursday 31st January 1952
Fair.
9 am – Sister said Phil much better. Slept 3–7 a.m. Alys to U.C.H. Mrs Bearcroft here. Talked of Mrs Hill and burglar – fright he gave her – 31/– (3/– for Mrs Hill). Made up mince and spaghetti lunch. Out to take 3 pairs of pyjamas to Danish laundry (“they;ll be 11/– and odd”), yellow cardigan to be Burtol’s (will be 6/6). Rest. Alys to Phil at 4, and back at 6. Very happy. Phil so well (still got special nurses for day and night).
Friday 1st February 1952
Rain and sleet
Alys to Phil (without phoning Sister). I to Waterloo; saw Kitty off to Salisbury 11 a.m. To Fern’s for coffee 1½lb. Home. Out for wine and yoghurt. Home. Alys in at 1.15. After lunch, I had to get bacon ration and mince; tunny fish and bread. Home. Rest. Alys to get medicines and then rest and then Phil. Washed apron. Alys back before 6.30. Cold bacon.
Saturday 2nd February 1952
(no weather)
Washed windowsills. Mince. Out, and later fetched Phil‘s cardigan from Burtol’s, 6/6 cleaned express. Alys home from Phil; lunch. Out to shops. Rest. Alys back at 6.30. Phil phoned (!) at 7 and asked me to go from 7.3 till 7.45. So I had supper and went. Phil looking more thin and as if he had been very ill than he did when I saw him last Saturday.
Memo:
2nd Call for cardigan Burtol’s, High Street after 12.30.
30th Eva to lunch.
31st Bought wristlet for watch 14/6.
30th 8 p.m. Ben Franklin house. British American Association.
6th King George VI died.
Sunday 3rd February 1952
Fine. Cold. Thin ice still in Park.
(Phil‘s day nurse (special) ends tonight). Paul Davis rang up, and said “engaged”. Alys to Phil. I out for papers. Then wrote to Amy Nichol, Margaret Hindhaugh and Sissie. Mince and Fropax peas (forgot sugar). Rests. Alys out before 4 till 6.30. I walked in Regent’s Park. Alys had soup, and back to Phil; I supper and Alys when in at 8.15. (I read letters from E.P (Edward Parker Davis) and E.D.D. (Ellen Duane Davis) and Tonks).
Monday 4th February 1952
Fine. Cold.
Took Phil‘s razor to Remington‘s. To Phoenix Theatre. Home. Alys to Phil and only back 1,35. Mince, salad. Eva looked in for 5 minutes. Rest and Alys out to Phil again. Back 5.30, suggesting theatre. (Phil had Baker and C.P.) To Phoenix, queue for 30 minutes. 2 dress circle 15/– each. Phoned Alys at 7 and she came 7.20. “Much Ado About Nothing”, Gielgud, Wynyard, Hardy. Very lovely.
Tuesday 5th February 1952
Foggy. Milder.
Twice to High Street, Boots. Bread, kippers and back for bacon. Alys to Phil. Lunch ravioli with added mince. Rest. Post Office. Alys phoned, and in at 7,45, worried re Phil’s special nurse leaving. Phoned Smart at 10. “Sally” instead of Joy Nichols in “Take It From Here”.
Wednesday 6th February 1952
Dull, milder.
Alys to Northwood re. car batteries. I to get Phil‘s razor, and then to U.C.H. to Phil. At 11.15 while there, heard that the King had died in his sleep. Home by 12.15 (Alys lunch at Mrs Cattle‘s). Phoned Lois, she came and had tea here. Alys back 8.30 (still worried by Ernest and nurses).
Accession proclamation 8th 11 a.m.
Queen Elizabeth II flew back from Africa, arrived 4.20 p.m.
Letter from Nellie Moir. Teeds just sleeping away, 7th.
Thursday 7th February 1952
Fair
Mrs Bearcroft came; cleaned windows. I out early to get papers. Alys to Phil and on to meet Mink‘s wife for lunch, Blue Windmill. I had to get Phil‘s pyjamas from Danish laundry, 3 pairs 11/9 and haddock at Selfridge’s. Alys home, out and home and then in at 8.40 for supper. Churchill’s broadcast 9.
Friday 8th February 1952
Fair, cold.
Postcard to Nellie Moir. To Sissie 11 – 1. Eva and Eve lunch with Alys at 119 Bickenhall Mansions on way to Sherborne Girls School. I sandwich Finchley Road got bread and home. Rest. To Chandos Street 4.30 tea and Mrs Brogan‘s lecture on “Animals of Roman Africa”. Lois there and she took me to M.M. Club (Mainly Musicians Club) for dinner. Alys back before me. Arthur Bryant spoke on King.
Saturday 9th February 1952
Fine, cold wind
I to Northwood. I had phoned Cook re. my car battery. Brought back black coats, scarves, hats. At 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 2. Lunch (Alys just finished). Alys had been with Phil and got mince; she began curry. Rest. To shops for vegetables, wine. Cooked curry and rhubarb. Alys in at 9, boiled eggs.
Memo:
5 p.m 6th R.A.I. Lamport Hall, Sir Gyles Isham.
8th Mrs D. W. Brogan B.A.A. – Animals of Roman Africa.
7th or 8th a.m. Sissie.
4th Phoenix, Much Ado.
11th King’s body brought from Sandringham to Westminster Hall.
Sunday 10th February 1952
Fine a.m. Showers later.
Awake several times night; cat mewing. Alys to Phil, back to say I was to go p.m. instead a.m. Out for papers and to see about cat which continued to mew all day, and until 9 p.m. at least. Sewed pocket on Amy‘s coat. To Phil at 4. Home about 5.30. Alys out to Phil, back at 9 (Booth there). “Phineas Finn”.
Monday 11th February 1952
Rain a.m. Dull p.m.
Alys to Phil, I to shops in rain. Curry and rice lunch. Rests. (Cat mewed all day). Alys to Phil at 4.30. Kitty rang up. I out to shops again; then took ham to P.P.W. Dr Smart talked to Alys and me. Wiz and Booth to see Phil. Alys back 8.50. Talked about cat to porter, York mansions.
Tuesday 12th February 1952
Cold and fine.
Alys to Phil. I wrote gardener, with cheque. Frank (porter) found cat (after I phoned P.D.S.A.) Gave it milk. Curry, rice at 1. Alys in. To Fern’s and then U.C.H., P.P.W. Alys and I sat there 3 – 4.45 then Dudley Baker told us operation gone well (8 ribs out). Clement Price Thomas at 5-ish said “so far”. Dudley drove us back. Alys phoned Kitty and Eva and Sister later.
Wednesday 13th February 1952
Cold. Some snow.
Alys to Phil (only looked in, he asleep). Our Dumb Friends League collected for cat. Alys back soon and fried potatoes for lunch. I News at Classic (King taken to Westminster Hall, bought bootees. Rest. Alys to see newsreel at 4.35, and back, and then see Phil for 2 minutes. He smiled but in much pain.
King George VI funeral 15th 9.30 to 2.30. Two minutes silence at 2.
Thursday 14th February 1952
Dull, slush.
Alys to Phil (a very bad night and much pain still). I to shops, potato salad. Lois phoned that Aunt Edith died last night. I phoned Lucy re. funeral. After lunch, Alys took pyjamas to Danish laundry and on to Westminster. I wrote Nellie Moir re. car at Moreton, and posted it. Alys to Phil 6,15. Still much pain. She had talk with Smart and Ernest.
Friday 15th February 1952
Cold. Fair.
Alys to Phil. I for papers and to Bank. Many shops closed. Mrs Bearcroft – paid her £1.13.3 (10/– Mrs Hill). Alys out for meat ration and ham (Phil). I to Webster and Girling for my ticket £1.7.9 to Moreton-in-Marsh. Wrote Amy Steel and Campbell and sent Ella‘s “share” cheque £140 to Bank, Northwood. Phil better this evening. Read papers of funeral of King.
Saturday 16th February 1952
Cold.
At 9, I took Paddington bus (Tottenham corner) and met Lois. Got flags and tulips 11/6. We, by 9.45 train to Moreton-in-Marsh. Car to Fair View. Saw Teeds in coffin. Lunch at café 3/–. 2 cars to old Church – Nellie with Lucy, Lois and me. Service, cemetery. Tea at Fair View at 4.15. Car to Moreton 4.45 to Paddington Police soldier talked. Arrived 7.45. Bus. Supper.
Memo:
Lying in state 8 a.m till 10 p.m 9.45 – 12 – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
12th Phil’s thoracoplasty operation 2 o’clock.
15th King George’s funeral 2 o’clock – two minutes silence.
17th Sunday Lois to tea?
16th Teed’s funeral 2.30. 4.45 arrive 7.45.
Sunday 17th February 1952
Rain. Mild.
Alys to Phil. Phone call from Kitty – sneezing all a.m. Lunch (beef slices and gravy and leeks) 1.25. Rests. I to Lois 2 Bigwood Court. At 4 Michael (22) and Paul Faraday to tea also. Home. Alys at 8.15 – soup, eggs. Phil better.
Monday 18th February 1952
Fair. Dull.
Kitty phoned. Alys to Phil. I to shops and later High Street. Kitty came at 11.45. She and I lunched (baked fillets of plaice and yoghurt). Alys in at 2. Then Kitty and I to Classic (funeral newsreel and “Pale Face”, Bob Hope). Alys back at 7.30. “The Letter”, Somerset Maugham.
Tuesday 19th February 1952
Fair. Dull.
Alys to Phil, and lunch with Kitty at Frognal. I to Curtis; then washed my hair (Vaseline shampoo 5d Selfridge’s). Egg and salad. Made ravioli. Out to Public Library and Periodical Room. Rested. Alys back 7.40. (Phoned Ernest Miles re. Teeds’ Will). “Portrait of the Duke of Wellington” 8 – 9. “The Government Inspector”, Gogol.
Wednesday 20th February 1952
Fine, warm.
Alys to Phil and lunch with Margaret Douglas at V.A.D. Club (Voluntary Aid Detachment Ladies’ Club). To Fern’s, and Berwick Street, Selfridges. After lunch sewed and play, “The Brother”. To Food Office to renew emergency and de-register. Out for rhubarb. Alys in at 7.25 (Ernest brought her). Began mending screen. Charles Morgan on “George Moore – A Centenary Appreciation”.
Thursday 21st February 1952
Fair. Mild.
Phil still much pain unless doped. Alys to Phil and lunch with Gwen at Heals. Mrs Bearcroft here. I to get Alys’ ration book and de-registered. Bacon, egg and tomato. Got rations at dairy and later kippers at Selfridge’s. Mended light over bed (rawlplug). Read old letters 1888 L.R.B. and Aunt Bella 1914 to 1918. Alys in at 8.20. Cleaned desk. Send Reader’s Digest to Eva.
Friday 22nd February 1951
Fair, cold.
Alys to Phil. I to Times Office to have Aunt Edith’s death inserted 28/–. Back by High Street – mince, fish. Grilled mackerel lunch. Rests. Alys to Phil: I to Evans for 2 zippers for skirts. To Club and wrote Lucy re. Times notice. Looked at screen (old map one) which was damaged by Mrs Bearcroft’s pail last week.
Saturday 23 February 1952
(no weather)
Alys to Phil. I to get haddock; cooked mince and sprouts lunch. Alys back 1.15. Rests. Sewed zip and belt on skirt. Alys back at 7.30? Haddock. (Phil nausea and sleepy and grave; fluid?) “Glad Tidings”, play.
Memo:
25th Ticket.
Emergency cards and 23rd de-registered shops Northwood.
Sunday 24th February 1952
Fine.
Alys to Phil; she phoned from his room. I could go at 12; so I went and saw Phil for about 10 minutes (looking very ill). Back. Grilled sausages and tomatoes, sprouts. Alys read letters from Mother to Ella and Uncle Edward, and 1 from Father to Ella. Sewed skirt. Cooked cream sauce with onions and hard-boiled eggs (from RadioTimes). Baked apples.
Monday 25th February 1952
Fine.
Alys to Phil. Clement Price Thomas took strapping off, and Phil to be x-rayed tomorrow. Eva phoned – Eve failed entrance exam to Sherbourne. I to Northwood. Mrs Hill and Mrs Bearcroft spring cleaning. 1.14 to town. Alys out – hair do at Foakes. Out for bread, cheese and again to Durban‘s and bought little radio set 7.7.0 (2nd hand). Rest. Play. Out for wine (shop closed). Alys back at 7.15. Mince, baked apple.
Tuesday 26th February 1952
Fair.
Alys to Phil who was x-rayed and aspirated, fluid and then lunched with Mary Miles (at Old Grove House). I to Woolworths, and Roches. In p.m. again Harrison‘s with Alys’ eyeglass button brooch and white Bordeaux – Crawford Street (10% wine cup) 3/6 ½ bottle. Tunny and salad, rhubarb, yoghurt.
Wednesday 27th February 1952
Fair. Cold.
Alys to Phil late, and went to Dr Baker at Northwood – tracheitis. At lunchtime fetched jug. In p.m. to Burlington House – First 100 years of Royal Academy then at 5 Antiquarian Society room for R.I.A. lecture – Ankara (Turkey), very exciting tablets. Alys gargled and inhaled and drops on nose.
Thursday 28th February 1952
Dull. Cold.
Eva came at 11.25. She and Alys to Phil. Eva stayed till past 1, and then here to lunch. Ravioli, salad and jellied veal and plums, yoghurt. In p.m., I to Phil at 3.30. Poured his tea. Stayed till 5.15. Newport-Black (Honor de Vere Baron), special nurse (day).
Friday, 29th February 1952
Milder, dull.
Mrs Bearcroft here. Alys to Phil – had air taken off (aspiration), great pain. I to shops for mince. Grilled liver and bacon lunch. Alys to Fleming re. her eyes 2.30. I Classic to see “Twelve o’clock High”, Gregory Peck. American Air Force daylight precision bombing 2:1. Alys back at 7.50. Haddock. “Any Questions”, “George Moore”.
Saturday 1st March 1952
Very mild.
Alys to Phil – Clement Price Thomas said his X-ray was excellent and everything satisfactory; but he had a cough only less pain. I to shops. Met Mr and Mrs Hill. Liver warmed up. Alys short rest; I put 10 eggs in Oteg and began lampshade. Read letters – Alys and Dennis on honeymoon. Alys back 7.30 very tired. “Smokies”. Molly Hadow phoned re. Aldeburgh rooms. July 1st to 8th and 15th
Memo:
27th R.A.I. Seton Lloyd on finds in Harran region.
28th “Twelve o’clock High” 3 days 12.30 seats.
28th Eva to lunch.
29th Alys to Fleming (eyes) – he said they’re alright but only just and she must go slow and take care of body, stomach, liver.
1½d to 2d – all fares raised.
Sunday 2nd March 1952
Dull. Mild.
I went to Phil 11.30. Wiz at 11.45. I home then Alys got mince, Fropax French beans. Wrote Lucy with tea coupons and Postal Order 7/– (Times refund). Defrosted the Fridge. Alys rested and to Phil 3.20. Alys and Phil both coughs still. Scotch farm soup (Baxter‘s).
Monday 3rd March 1952
Very mild, spring-like.
Alys to Phil. I to shops twice. Tinned pork and salad. Rest p.m. “Gentlemen Unknown”, Milne. Alys to Hamblin re. her new glasses (17th – £5.0.0). Alys rested till 6. Then to Phil. Clement Price Thomas very pleased, after thorough examination of chest and X-ray. I changed lampshades about.
Tuesday 4th March 1952
Fresh, showers.
To local shops. Alys to Phil, who having television (hired) fixed. Wiz to Phil later. Made curry of mince. Men doing balconies (chipping iron from concrete). Mended Alys’ basket. She to Selfridges and rest; then to Phil and I to Library, and then to Phil. Alys and I to Blue Windmill, dinner. About 11/– and 2/– tip.
Wednesday 5th March 1952
Fair.
Alys to Phil. I to Selfridges and Rochés. Eva to see Phil and here to lunch at 1.45. Away 2.40. Alys to Phil at 3.15. I a rest, and at 4.30 to R.A.I. lecture on Pilgrims Way by I. D. Margary (North downs). Walked up Regent Street with Lois and Laurie and dined with them at the Mainly Musicians Club.
Thursday 6th March 1952
Rain.
Mrs Bearcroft here. Alys shopping (Wiz to Phil). I to Selfridges, walked both ways. Cold lunch. Alys said Phil depressed. Rest till 3. Alys to Phil, but saw little of him, still very depressed. I took pyjama coat to Danish laundry. Got fruit, bus 59 home. Oteg 10 eggs. Alys back 8. Kippers, rhubarb. New York and London and Washington discussion – Murrow, Hugh Scott, Hogg (Hailsham), McNeil.
Friday 7th March 1952
Rain.
Out to shops. Alys to Phil (who better). I to Mary Miles (at Old Grove House Hampstead) at 1 o’clock to lunch. Talked of her course in journalism. Home at 3,45 via Fern’s for coffee. Rest. Cleaned paint. Alys in at 7.30. Grilled herrings.
Saturday 8th March 1952
Fair. Fine p.m.
Alys to Phil. I to shops near and High Street in between. Steamed tinned beef steak pudding, greens. Rests. (Alys’ very short). I at 4.30 to U.C.H. and with Phil about 30 minutes. Cough still worrying him. “Goodbye Just Now” Barbara Couper’s good play, Howard Marion-Crawford.
Memo:
5th Eva to see Phil, lunch here.
5th R.A.I. Surrey Pilgrims Way, Margary and dine with Faradays.
7th Mary Miles 1 o’clock.
9th Return ticket.
Budget 11th.
Sunday 9th March 1952
Rain and dull. Dark, mild.
Alys to Phil about 11. Out for papers. Washed things – combs (Harris). Tinned sausages grilled and mashed potato. Mandy phoned. In p.m., I phoned Saida Sime. Darned Alys’ vest, listening to “Friends and Relations”, St. John Ervine. Alys to Phil 4.45 as Springford there to tea. Out to Park. Eggs and bacon.
Monday 10th March 1952
Fine.
Alys to Phil, whose bed had been taken up to the Solarium! I to Selfridges and sewed skirt. Alys back to lunch, ham opened. Rest and sewing. Alys out to Phil. I machined skirt with Doz’s machine. Alys back 7.30. Boiled eggs, apple sauce. “Daphne Laureola”, Bridie. Mandy phoned re. plays.
Tuesday 11th March 1952
Fair but foggy.
Alys to Phil (who in Solarium. Clement Price Thomas said to go to Mundesley soon). To High Street. I did washing. After lunch (Alys with Kit at Heal’s), I to Globe Theatre, and saw R.A.D.A. students do 6 acts of plays. Mandy in “See Naples And Die”. Home at 6:10. Alys in at 8 or later. Budget speech and broadcast, Mr Butler.
Wednesday 12th March 1952
Fine, cold.
Alys to Phil. I to shops. At 12.30 to see Phil on sunroof but Miss Linton and Wiz, so home with Alys by 1. Eva lunched with us. I with Eva to Selfridges (watch for Eve). I to Ernest Miles 3 re. Teeds’ Will. Oath with Merriman. To Marshalls, Selfridges and Harrods for Bathettes (oilettes). Alys home before 6.45. Scrambled eggs. “Marriage Settlement”.
Thursday 13th March 1952
Fair, cold.
Took Phil‘s tweed coat to Davis and pyjama coat to Danish laundry. Alys to Phil, and then to Northwood (did Phil’s bedroom). I to Saida Sime at 4. Jim (86? and Mina) there. Big tea. Home. Phil phoned me re. books for Sister Newport Black. Alys back at 7:35. Kippers.
Friday 14th March 1952
(no weather)
Mrs Bearcroft here. Eva came, and to see Phil (on sunroof). I to High Street – Davis’, called for Phil’s suits (3) and dressing gown (silk). Alys and Eva, sandwiches. Alys at 2 to Phil. I to Chandos Street 4.30 Miss Carleton Williams lecture on St Katherine and the murals – slides. Alys back at 7.30. Haddock and baked apples.
Saturday 15th March 1952
(no weather)
To shops. Did braised beef. Alys to Phil on roof. To Mandy Steel at 91 Ebury Street at 4. Rosemary Harris there (won Gold medal on Tuesday). Ovaltine and cake. Alys back 745. Row at P.P.W. Sister Black in bad temper, jealous of Booth? Alys upset tray. Mink phoned.
Memo:
12th 3 p.m. Ernest Vernor Miles. Eva here?.
14th B.A.A.
11th 2.15 Globe Theatre. Alys lunches Kitty.
13th Saida Sime
15th Mandy‘s 49th, 91 Ebury Street.
17th Mother died 1900.
Jim Archer’s 87th birthday.
Sunday 16th March 1952
Mild. Dull.
I to Phil (not on roof) 11.30 – 12.45. Nice visit. Newport Black good-tempered again. Braised beef lunch. Alys to Phil 3.15. I to tea at Lois, and Norman and Rhoda Faraday there. Home 7. Tunny fish and Alys’ mayonnaise (for Phil’s salmon). Brought Uncle Harold’s diary back.
Monday 17th March 1952
Very mild. Fair.
Took Phil‘s razor to Remington Rand. Walked to Fern‘s and onto Onsite, and then Times Book Club and bought Arbuthnot’s Journals (The Journal of Mrs. Arbuthnot, 1820-1832) and Sitwell’s Essences (Noble Essences: Or, Courteous Revelations). Rochés. Phil seen by Clement Price Thomas and Smart and future sketched. Wrote Amy Nichol and National Provincial Bank re. 69 Baker Street.
Tuesday 18th March 1952
Mild. Drizzly.
Fetched Phil‘s razor from Remington and took it to him at P.P.W. 12.15 (9.11 paid). Late for lunch. Rest. Alys to Phil a.m. and tea. Phil in good form (Macduff). To Boots library at 4.30. Bacon and eggs.
Wednesday 19th March 1952
Dull.
To shops and Bank, 69 Baker Street. Then to Kitty’s at 12. Barbara to lunch with Alys at Bicky. I home and rested. Alys in and out again to Phil, 5. She came home at 7.30 and said Phil had a wire “vacancy Monday” and was going then to Mundesley! Lady Bonham Carter on wards.
Thursday 20th March 1952
Dull, mild.
Phil stood up (sat on commode?) 1st time out of bed since December 30th . I took pyjama top to laundry. Mrs Bearcroft here. To library. Alys back, oddment sausage rolls. Rest, sewed padded dressing gown. Haddock. Becky‘s letter re. Mundesley.
Friday 21st March 1952
Dull. Very mild.
Phil stood up, but fell on bed, no balance sense. Alys 100.2°F and in bed all day, Antrum ache? Headache, aspirin. I to High Street – plaice, bacon, mince. Home. Then to Phil, who are asleep all time 12.10 – 12.45! Home, lunch which Alys had put in oven (baked fillets). Both had long rest, sleep. I to Phil, 4.30 – 5. Mandy to see him at 6. (I back for Idris which forgot). Alys 100°F still at 5. Phil phoned and Alys phoned him.
Saturday 22nd March 1952
Fine p.m.
Alys still 99.7°F. I to Roché’s for ham, bread. To Davis and Sagne and Gayler & Pope, and Lewis, Evans, Selfridges (cushion search). Home in taxi 2/– with Phil‘s coat and silk dressing gown. Grilled herrings for both. Rest. To Phil with cakes. Wiz there to tea. Mrs Bearcroft brought Phil’s brogues from Northwood. Alys 100°F in evening. Scrambled eggs, curry, yoghurt.
Memo:
End of Emergencies.
19th Lunch Kitty, Hampstead.
18th Eve’s 12th birthday.
24th Phil to Mundesley.
Sunday 23rd March 1952
Dull, showers.
Alys normal (but 99°F at 5 p.m.), in bed all day. I made handle for cushion and ay 12 took it and rug and tweed coat and brogues and cakes in taxi to P.P.W. Home before 1. Both had cold bacon lunch. Rest. Play. At 6 to Phil with ham and Ella‘s wireless. Taxi. He slightly depressed about backbone position and going away alone, but glad to be going. Booth in and I home at 6.35. Eggs and baked apple apples.
Monday 24th March 1952
Fine.
Phil phoned 9 a.m. Alys’ temperature sub-normal (but 99°F at 6) and in bed all day. I out a.m. Then did onions and ham and mince lunch. Out at 2.15 to Cullen’s and then Food Office for Emergencies. Eva to see Alys for 6 minutes. Rest (Mother’s letters to Wade). Cold Bacon, rhubarb, yoghurt. Eva phoned Alys going to them, and Dr Baker.
Tuesday 25th March 1952
Rainy, colder.
Alys normal at 9, but just under 99°F at 5. To shops and Curtis. Hot mince and potatoes (which Alys got up and peeled while I was out!) She in bed all day, otherwise. Rests. To post 5.30 with Alys’ lettercard to Phil; and a letter to Kit. Sister Newport Black phoned re. journey to Mundesley
Wednesday 26th March 1952
Cold, fine.
Alys normal at 9, but again 99°F at 6. I bought sponge and did up and posted to Phil. Ravioli. Rest. At 5 to R.A.I. lecture on Oxford Master Masons by E. A. Gee. Laurie, Lois there and Eric and Michael after. They Minerva. I home. Soup, eggs, baked apples. Alys phoned Baker and Eva.
Snow and very hard frost, weekend.
Thursday 27th March 1952
Very cold.
Mrs Bearcroft washed door. Alys packed little case and had a bath. I to Fern’s and R.A.D.A. (for scarf) and P.P.W. with tips for porters and lift. Tried for caviar and pâté foie gras, but stolen. Home after lunch, taxi to Baker Street and Alys to Great Missenden 2.45. I to Danish laundry for pyjama jacket. Rest. Supper.
Friday 28th March 1952
Very cold. Snow.
Indoor sorting old letters. Out for rations and yoghurt, to dairy. After a tongue lunch, out to Boots. Rest. Went on doing letters and putting in envelopes, and in Doz’s desk. Swept and dusted rooms.
Saturday 29th March 1952
Snowstorm all day.
Eva phoned, Alys not going till tomorrow. Out to High Street – bread (no mince to be had), lettuce. Tunny fish and salad lunch. Looked over old photos in drawer. Rest and Boat Race at 3. Oxford won by 12 feet (or “a canvas”) in snowstorm (Davidge’s stroke). Play “Uncle Harry” Deryck Guyler by Thomas Job.
Memo:
24th Phil goes to Mundesley 9.30, arrive 2 p.m.
26th R.A.I. 5 p.m. Oxford Master Masons 1370 – 1530 E. A. Gee.
26th Lettercard to Phil.
25th Possibly Phil begins getting feet off bed – Clement Price Thomas said on March 3rd.
Phil went stretcher-case on 24th with Sister Newport Black.
27th Alys to Eva‘s.
Sunday 30th March 1952
Dull. Thaw (slight) in streets.
Lois phoned re. Hereford Hotel and thrombosis query. Eva phoned – Alys not coming (snow deep, Eve in bed). Out for Sunday Times. Semolina cheese soufflé. Rest. “Ariadne”, play Milne. Mended old screen a bit awful finger with Durofix. Wrote Phil (out Post Office) and competition form. Reading “The Ambassadress”, Frances Parkinson Keyes. Tunny and salad.
Monday 31st March 1952
Fine, cold.
Out to High Street, fruit. Men in re. phone. Alys back from Great Missenden about 12.15. Tongue lunch. Long rest. Play at 4.30, “John Loves Mary”, Braden funny. Old photos with Alys till 7.45. Soup and egg and salad. Play, “Shadow of the Tree”, (atom bomb) by Schull.
Tuesday 1st April 1952
Cold. Fine to fair.
To High Street. Alys got chocolate for Phil, and I posted it with pyjama top to him. James arrived at 12.30, and stayed till 2.45 train for Treat Missenden. Showed him old screen with maps. Rests. Lettercard to Mrs Bearcroft and Alys’ car license form to post. Sewed padded gown. “A Portrait of F. E. Smith, First Earl of Birkenhad”, “Caesar and Cleopatra”.
Wednesday 2nd April 1952
Sun and showery.
Alys to Albermarle Street with book to change and out to lunch – Lyons. I to local shops and lunch. Then out to post to Phil, books and sweets and 3 puzzles. Wire to Blain. Lettercard to Sissie. Rest. Cold bacon. To Woolworths. “Bright Shadow”, Priestly. “The Lifemanship Lectures – Doctorship, Patientship and the Health Ploy – very good, 6.25.
Phil wrote that having looked like a man of 95, he now looks like a man of 80.
Thursday 3rd April 1952
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft here. Alys to Northwood to get Phil‘s car book and stayed lunch. I to Public Library and Bank and later to Fern’s (after lunch). It was shut; so all for nothing. Back 3.45. Rest. Alys in about 6 (Dr Baker in town so she couldn’t see him). Letter from Phil. Pulse much better – 75, “making strides”.
Friday 4th April 1952
Fair.
Alys up early and to Dr Baker at nine, or soon after. I to get joint (Sainsbury’s) then walked on to Fern’s, coffee. Bus home. Did vegetables and started braised beef. Alys back to lunch. I to Boots with book; and got kippers. Alys to get her prescription at Rogers. Rests. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 5th April 1952
Fine a.m. Shower p.m.
At 10.15 met B.A.A. members and Norman Cook (Keeper of Guildhall Museum) at The Coal Exchange. Billingsgate. Tour of Roman wall (and bath) and Toc H. Lunch at Pimm’s (Poultry) 7/6. Then to North and West bits of wall (Grimes’ diggings, Fort and Bastions). Home by 23 bus at four. Alys to Mundesley having wired Phil, and phoned hotel. (To Guildhall Museum after lunch).
Memo:
5th B.A.A. Guildhall 10.15 Billingsgate Fish Market.
2nd Lifemanship.
3rd Book renew.
1st James‘ holidays begin.
70th on 9th.
Sunday 6th April 1952
Fair.
Only out for papers, and to pig food bin. Then washed things and cleaned a bit and phoned Lois. Sewed padded dressing down, and machined scarf (cut in half), put away bootees. “Naked” by Pirandello (Kathleen Michael, Ernest Milton). “The Portrait of a Lady”, began 8.30.
Monday 7th April 1952
Fair and showers.
To Selfridges, buckling. High Street bread. Washed my hair. Did a lot of cleaning, paint. Took down curtains in my room, and put up clean ones. Cleared a bit from tallboys to top cupboard. Took blanket and cushions covers to Burtol’s. Taxi-men procession. Wire from Alys – staying till Saturday, Manor Hotel.
Tuesday 8th April 1952
Fair.
Washed curtains. To Duchess Theatre, got dress circle ticket 15/6. To Woolworths. Home. Braised beef. To Tivoli Cinema, Strand “The Blue Lamp”, (Jack Warner) and “Sealed Cargo” 4/2 seat. Home at 5.30. “Edward Ward Reporting” on U.S. Eva phoned in evening.
Wednesday 9th April 1952
Fine, warm, 70°C.
To Burlington House – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition. Back via Swan & Edgar; got 3 veils there. After lunch ironed curtains. Out for bread, rhubarb, cream. Wash towels and gloves. Phoned Frank Archer (and Hannah).
Thursday 10th April 1952
Mild, showers.
Lettercard to Alys, posted 1.45. Mrs Bearcroft here. Out and got mince. After lunch to Duchess Theatre, dress circle front row 15/6 – “The Deep Blue Sea”, Terence Rattigan with Peggy Ashcroft. Home by 5.45. Cleared out papers (addresses).
Friday 11th April 1952
Fine, mild.
Tried to get paint off bathroom. Washed tine. Kit phoned. At 1.35 to Waterloo. 2.27 to Worplesdon (station after Woking), 5/8 day return. Hannah Archer met me 3.15. To Ramley. Talked with Jim Archer. Tea and with Lady Parsons (Douie) in garden. She is 92, Jim 87, I think. Took 5.57 back. Douie came to station. Home about 7.15.
Saturday 12th April 1952
Fair, mild.
To High Street – Selfridge’s and herbalist and Bank (paid in Ella’s £40). Some washing and cleaning and mending and polishing (no rest all day). Kit phoned 7. Alys arrived from Mundesley (tube from Liverpool Street) 9.40 about.
Memo:
11th To see Jim Archer, Worplesdon 2.45 train.
12th Alys back from Mundesley in evening.
10th “The Deep Blue Sea”, Duchess Theatre 2.30.
14th Back to 12 Grove Road – robin and chaffinches both very tame and pleased.
Sunday 13th April 1952
Fine and warm – 70°C.
Most of day sorting papers. Refugee committee work 1914 – 1918. Alys busy too. Mince lunch. Neither of us rested, too busy. White cupboard. Alys and I out to Regents Park 5.30 till 6.30. Sat on wall, and then seat. Crowds out.
Monday 14th April 1952
Very warm and fine. Rain in evening.
Out for paper. Alys and I all a.m. packing up. Lunch 1. At 2.30 Hazel‘s car, and we drove back to Northwood. Busy sorting, and tidying out burgled drawers! Ugh! Alys found Phil‘s (Dennis’) torpedo gold links – hurrah.
Tuesday 15th April 1952
Cooler, fine.
Mrs Bearcroft came. Mrs Hill phoned and came. Alys in JLN to shops. I began Income Tax reclaim. Alys and I phoned Merriman re. Phil’s car insurance and re. my Income Tax). Alys found all Phil’s (Dennis’) links and studs (not burgled). I found £13 notes in hut (not burgled!) Joys. Wrote to Haughton Car Co. re. BHN insurance. “Perkin Warbeck” by John Ward (and 16th). I to Boots, and to get sweets.
Wednesday 16th April 1952
Fine and warm.
Alys packing suitcases and Phil‘s clothes in car. I mended his vest and pullover all p.m. Alys to see Dr Baker in a.m.) and she bought joint at Warboys. I to Hudson‘s and Sainsbury’s (rations: emergency). Gardener looked in. Paid him £3 for winter, owe 2/–. Mrs Springfield called.
18th Alys to Thalassa, Mundesley.
Slept Bicky 17th and 18th.
Thursday 17th April 1952
Fine, warm.
Breakfast before 8. Alys off to Norfolk in JLN 9, dropping me at Dr Baker’s. He syringed my ears. Home. Mrs Bearcroft helped with laundry. Mrs Hill got lunch. I to Bicky at 3.30 or so. To Library, and to get bread and milk, Blandford Street (others closed). To Classic, “Quartet”, Somerset Maugham, 2/1 – The Kite, The Colonel’s Lady – poetess, Monte Carlo, Naunton Wayne, Musical boy.
Friday 18th April 1952
Fine. Hot.
To Albemarle Street re. bird books. To Till for paint remover. Rothés. Lunch Bicky. Train to Tower Bridge. To Vaults (Colonel Hunt’s permit), 10 Cooper’s Row, Mr Cook (Norman), marvellous fungi mildew. Vats, barrels, Roman and Medieval wall. Remnants. To Bourne & Hollingsworth and Fern’s and then B.A.A. 4.30 tea, and films – Salisbury and St Albans. Stripped paint off lid.
Saturday 19th April 1952
Fine. Thundery.
To Hardy with shoes and Curtis too. To Northwood 11.3. Taxi up. No Gardener so no bicycle from loft. To Great Missenden (arrived 6.13, muddled trains). Sherry. Four lady guests. Garden, trains in nursery. Teddy met and took me to 7.15. Home to 12 Grove Road.
Memo:
19th 4.54 to Eva‘s.
18th B.A.A. 2.30 Roman wall (city), 10 Cooper’s Row and meeting Chandos Street – film, Salisbury.
18th Laundry.
17th Book renew.
17th Alys drives to Norfolk.
16th Written with cheque – write R.A.I. re. spring meeting before April 21st.
21st The Queen’s 26th Birthday.
Summer-time clocks on.
Sunday 20th April 1952
Fine, windy.
Wrote Haughton Car Co., Eva (with Digest and £5 towards James’ cycle), lettercard to Alys. Wrote Captain Gordon. Wrote Miss Willison re. Alys’ subscription British American Institute. Wrote Jim Archer re. Lockhart’s wreck books. Shaw’s “Getting Married”; half of it. Geoffrey Gregson and James Fisher on “The Cuckoo”.
Monday 21st April 1952
Rain and wind – cool.
Mrs Bearcroft came. Got cycle from loft and cleaned it. I to shops and station. Mrs Hill did lunch. I rested till 3 then to post with sugar and tea to Alys. Rest again. Mrs Rothwell and Nellie Barnard phoned (Winnie died) (Winnie Barnard was Kate and Alys’ first cousin once removed).
Tuesday 22nd April 1952
Fair. Showers, hail.
Mrs Wilson, haircut 2/-. To Post Office for car form. Wrote Haughton with cheque for car insurance. Filled in form for car license, with cheque 7.0.0. Grilled mackerel lunch. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned bathroom. I took bicycle to the station 5.10 to go to Great Missenden. To Cook’s garage re BHN battery. Eva phoned, Kitty phoned. Ironed and altered Ella‘s grey skirt. “Getting Married”, Shaw.
Wednesday 23rd April 1952
Cold and showers and sun.
Did washing. To Boots. Mrs Hill brought fish and fried it and chips. Ironed and unpacked. Lit Cozy stove, tried to rest. Sewed black silk cord on black silk beret (old). Supper in sitting room by fire.
Thursday 24th April 1952
Finer.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned and washed. Laundry. I tidied and cleaned sweets and travel drawer. To get bread and lettuce. Cold bacon and salad. Ironed and finished doing drawers out. Picked daffodils, weeded.
Friday 25th April 1952
Fine. Warm.
Washed pale grey cardigan and petticoat. Mrs Hill cooked chopped ham and greens. Wrote lettercard to Alys at Mink’s and Imperial Hotel, Hereford to book room. To shops for bread and ice cream. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen. I ironed napkins and petticoat. Polished front fender of car and lamps. Picked daffodils for Mrs Hill and Mrs Bearcroft.
Saturday 26th April 1952
Very fine, warm.
Gardener at 8 a.m! He sprayed roses for black spot. I to Salmon’s for sprayer 18/6. I made mat out of old one. Washed and ironed. Gardener stayed all day till 5.30. Gave him 27/6 (owed 4/-). “His Excellency”, play.
Memo:
Lois 22nd to 29th to Eastbourne.
Collect blanket and cushion cover this week Burtol’s.
22nd Haircut, Mrs Wilson (Baldwin’s) 22/1 + 6d tip.
25th Alys to Mink’s, home Monday – Drury Road, Colchester.
29th and 30th – both slept Bicky.
Sunday 27th April 1952
Fine, coolish.
Postcard to Nellie Moir posted. Did washing, ironing and finished sheet sides to middle. Made 2nd mat from old one (on veranda). Kit phoned. Mince and spinach from garden.
Monday 28th April 1952
Fine. Cool.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. I to get cheese, yoghurt, apples. Cleaned back bumper of BHN (red with rust). Alys arrived 12.30 from Colchester. Mrs Hill – rabbit and greens. To post chocolate to Phil. Weeded.
Tuesday 29th April 1952
Very fine.
Letter from Sissie, saying Notice given! So to Baker Street. Called for blankets and cushion covers Burtol’s. Lunch 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rest. To Sissie’s, 26 Torrington Park 4.15 till 6 (out little turn with her). Green Line 714, back 1/–. Supper. Wrote Ernest Vernor Miles re. Teed’s Estate, cheques. Alys came in JLN at 8.45. Slept Bicky. Wrote Lois with cheque (Teed’s).
Wednesday 30th April 1952
Hot, fine.
To Hardy’s for mended shoes. To Library (renew). Alys in car to shops. To Dorlon’s and “Fashionwools”. To Club, lunch Nellie Moir and Alys and Pauline later. Home, rest 3 – 4 (Alys to Northwood for letter, Phil). R.A.I. lecture – S. D. T. Spittle on cufic lettering 5, on to Victoria & Albert Museum – Grimes on Roman London 6.15 – 8. Home to supper 8.20. Both slept Bicky.
Thursday 1st May 1952
Dull, showers, thunder.
To meet Mrs Rothwell at Golders Green. With her to St Clare‘s Nursing Home, Moss Hall Crescent (Sister Birch). Then to Sissie at Torrington Park. Fixed for Saturday move. Saw Mrs Edwards. Nellie Moir came. Lunch 119 Bickenhall Mansions, then Alys drove JLN and us to Northwood. Wrote Ernest Vernor Miles re. Sissie’s move and Doz’s Trust Income Tax claim. Sent BHN book to Haughton for insurance refund.
Friday 2nd May 1952
Showers, thundery, dull.
Alys’ car puncture, so I to get vegetables. Mrs Hill came. Mr Cook brought Phil’s and my batteries, and got our cars running and took BHN back for repairs (broken lamps and front fender). I posted Income Tax reclaim. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen. “Any Questions”. Wrote raising subs 5/– to 10/– per annum to M. Cole Stables and £1 donation.
Saturday 3rd May 1952
Dull, drizzly.
Alys drove us to Sissie’s (Torrington Park) by 11. Terrific time moving her and belongings with Mrs Rothwell‘s help to St Clare‘s Nursing Home at Moss Hall Crescent (Mrs McIver) N.12. At 1.25, Alys and I to Appenrodts for lunch. Then home. Long rest, slept. We brought Aunt Faraday‘s chair which Ella left to me and I lent Sissie.
Memo:
2nd James to school. Eve to Marion Berry 30th.
30th Victoria and Albert Museum 6.15 Grimes. (B.A.A. bulletin), London in Roman times and R.A.I. at 5, Letters cufic (Islamic).
28th Moir to Club till 2nd (Sissie 30th). Lunch 30th.
1st Keyes book renew and “Perils of the Sea”.
Both slept 119 Bickenhall Mansion 5th.
I slept 119 – 6th and 7th.
Alys at Kitty’s – 7th and 8th.
Sunday 4th May 1952
Dark and showery and thundery.
Late breakfast (Alys 10 a.m). She did a lot of clearing tiles, sheets – cupboard and drawers. I wrote Margaret Hindhaugh. After lunch, Alys wrote Ernest Vernor Miles re. Phil’s insurance. I to Post Office at 4. Did a lot of clipping privet by back path, also gorse and weeding. Asparagus supper. Cleaned Aunt Faraday‘s chair with thawpit.
Monday 5th May 1952
Warm. Fine.
Did prunes with orange. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Saxby’s pork pie. To Liberty’s for scarf for Kath. To Bourne & Hollingsworth – got hat. To Lafayette and got silk coat. 123 back to Bicky. Rest. Read “A Doctor’s London” from Library. Supper. Alys at 9.15. “Mungo’s Mansion”. Both slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Tuesday 6th May 1952
Dull, rainy.
I Portman Square 10. 2 buses of R.A.I. members to Hatfield House and Church. “Sweetie” Crusader’s tomb. Lunch Old Palace, Hatfield Park. To Ayot St Lawrence Church, to Tyttenhanger Park. House with furniture covered. Clocked “hat”. Tea Five Bells Restaurant, South Mimms. Off bus at Finchley Road. Home to Northwood by 7.15. Supper. Mrs Rothwell phoned.
Wednesday 7th May 1952
Cool, fine.
Talked re. eiderdowns. I to meet Mrs Rothwell, Golders Green. Car to St Clare’s, and to see Mrs McIver re. Sissie. Mrs Rothwell took away things. Sissie happy. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch. Rest. To R.A.I. 5. Sir Gyles Isham on Lamport Hall, very interesting. Mrs Holden there. Back supper and slept 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Play, “A Chorus Ending”, murdered by librarian.
Thursday 8th May 1952
Cool. Fine.
Up at 7.30 and 9.5 train to Northwood. Got key of JLN off Phil‘s ring and Cook fetched car and brought back. I did laundry. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. I clearing pattern and leather drawer (desk lowest). A good deal in garden, weeding out, lilac back. Sewed old black silk beret.
Friday 9th May 1952
Fine.
In garden (Alys had haircut and set, Northwood). Mrs Hill did mince and greens. I took 2.11 to Baker Street. To Ernest Vernor Miles re. Teeds (Commissioner for Oaths) and Distillers (£38). To Bourne & Hollingsworth, got coat (blazer?) To Chandos Street. Tea. Pantin on “mediaeval town planning”. Home 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 7.10. Alys there with supper. Tunny. Both slept 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Saturday 10th May 1952
Fine.
Alys and I separately to buy presents for Edward (George’s son). Then 11.36 train to Northwood. I in Colliver Fisher home. Took BHN down for Alys (buying gin for Handy!) (Backed into gudgeon). After lunch, both to vote and in BHN. Gardened – weeds and sprayed roses. Cook not here – came a.m. and no key. Eggs 0teg 8. “A Wind on the Heath”.
Memo:
6th Spring meeting 10 a.m. Portman Square to Hatfield.
7th R.A.I. Lamport Hall Sir Gyles Isham.
7th to 9th Alys to Kit’s.
8th B.A.A. town planning medieval.
Sunday 11th May 1952
Thundery showers and few bright periods.
Write Jim Archer. Rabbit pie. At 3.20 to Kitty’s in JLN. Tea party for birthdays – Kath (7th), Handy (10th), Joy (11th) and the baby Edward, born in June. We both took presents for all (said it to Handy). Will Blaikley and son Colin there too. Drove home by 7. Cold.
Monday 12th May 1952
Cold, showers and sun.
In BHN to Food Office and Kingham’s, rations. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Phil‘s room and carpet. Mrs Hill here. After lunch, Alys to station in BHN and to town for coffee and for Phil. I wrote Nellie Moir and The Times re. the Baker Street blackbird, and to pillarbox. Weeded, clipped. Hong Kong tinned liver and bacon supper. Did up eiderdowns, and form. Alys wrote cheque £12.
Tuesday 13th May 1952
Warm.
Alys took eiderdowns to post. I walked to Boots and posted “Yachting” to Phil. Alys drove JJ to Cook’s, for horn and walked back. Sorted Weldons. With Alys to view Sale. Some gardening. Weeds and clipping. Alys phoned Wiz.
Wednesday 14th May 1952
Warm
Alys to Eva‘s in JLN a.m. Mrs Hill did lunch for me, and then we to Sale – Dene Road. Left her to bid for Cona (?) and to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Library and milk. To R.A.I. Tea 4 and address by Professor Wheeler. Back with Lois to 2 Bigwood Court. Supper (cold bacon). Eric and Michael there. Home to sleep 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 10.
Hot – 79°F -ish on 17th.
Thursday 15th May 1952
Fine. Hot.
(Alys back from Eva‘s at 1.15). Cleaned stove. Out to Library and Hardy‘s (left shoes, heels). Selfridges, Spontex, bathettes. To Fern’s, coffee and Bourne & Hollingsworth (patterns). Home to lunch, 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Cleaned, swept. To Northwood 4.45. Wiz to supper (casserole pork, mushrooms) and brought camera (our present to Phil) 31.6.9 and took JJ away (to drive Duff and Bishop to Mundesley).
Friday 16th May 1952
Fine. Perfect.
Washed and ironed. Alys in JLN to Ruislip Manor. Mrs Hill got lunch. Alys to tea with Paul Davis at Feltham (Uxbridge Road). I took Chinese embroidery cape to be dyed at Achille Serre. Cut out skirt of black muslin. Weeded pinks. Alys home at 7.15. Cold bacon and salad. Bertrand Russell on reaching 80th birthday.
Saturday 17th May 1952
Very hot and fine.
Alys to shops. Gardener Cook 8.30 a.m. Washed things. Buckle on elastic. Salt beef lunch, cold. Rest. To playlets. Sprayed roses after 5. Cold bacon, salad. “Miss Pym Disposes”.
Memo:
17th End of ration book year.
14th Books renew. Alys sleeps at Eva‘s.
14th R.A.I. Professor Wheeler.
11th Tea party at Kitty’s (Kath‘s birthday and Joy‘s birthday).
17th St Bride’s, 225 Fleet Street (Blackfriars station).
18th and 19th so hot, turned immersion heater off for day 19th.
Sunday 18th May 1952
Very hot 80°F.
Made buttons and loops for Alys’ porridge dishcloth, coat, suit. She to see Miss Hartland, Roderick Road, re. sleeping here. Blackbird singing all round house and coming to me for food. “Heartbreak House”, Shaw.
Monday 19th May 1952
Hot, thundery.
Alys to town to shop – got beige and white frock. I did out cupboards, put away winter clothes. Cold bacon lunch. Mrs Bearcroft 2 p.m. and did my room. New gardener, Nichols, 2 – 5.30, 9/6. In BHN to get beer, vegetables a.m. and Alys again p.m. for ice cream and lettuce to Northwood Hills. Wiz to supper, brought JJ back, and told about weekend with Phil, Pat Duff and Bishop. Phil phoned.
Tuesday 20th May 1952
Cool and grey.
Mrs Bearcroft here. Alys to meet Eva who had hair done. Eva to lunch and p.m. Mrs Hill, cold salt beef and ham, salad. I trying to alter black taffeta evening dress skirt. To demonstration – dog training, Mrs Woodhouse. Film, road safety. 7.30 High Street. Home at 9.10.
Wednesday 21st May 1952
Fine.
Weeded. Lamb fur coat unpicked and got clothes together for sending to Displaced Persons. Alys to shops and Mrs Hill. Alys packing. Lined top of her dish-cloth skirt and Alys in JLN to Cook re. noise. Wrote Phil and Jim Archer (for book). To post our cheques to Eva for James‘ cycle. Phil phoned in evening.
Blackbird took bacon from me on terrace to his young on lawn.
Phoned Uxbridge Income Tax, and sent U.F.A.W. receipt.
Thursday 22nd May 1952
Hot, sun, fine.
Alys away in JLN to Mundesley at 10.15 via Wycombe. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned bathroom. Laundry. I cut up for coat (too hot to sit on terrace). Bacon, ice cream, rhubarb. Rested on bed a bit. At 5 in BHN to shops – yoghurt and registered new ration book at Kingham’s, Warboys and Sainsbury’s. In garden, and fed blackbird and robin.
Friday 23rd May 1952
Fine, hot, sun.
Did up parcels for Displaced Persons. To shops in BHN. Phoned Blennerhassett as toothache. Mrs Hill, cheese soufflé. To town, 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Phoned Sissie. To Blennerhasset 3.50. He took out 2 teeth (with Dr Gordon?) as abscess. Blennherhassett and I in taxi to Baker Street. He to Harrow. I home, and BHN back from Post Office. Bacon, and ice cream.
Saturday 24th May 1952
Hot. Dull p.m.
Posted clothes to Displaced Persons Fund. To shops in BHN – High Street for bap and kipper’s, yoghurt milk. Sat on veranda. Birds, paper. Egg bacon and salad. Spike on plate (dental) made tongue sore. Ironed, machined silk frock and cut out sleeves (black evening dress). Blanket to Doris. Kipper and ice cream. “Power and Glory”, Wolfe, Montcalm, Heights of Abraham.
Memo:
23rd Blennerhassett 3.50.
19th Gardener Nichols? p.m.?
Wiz with JJ in evening – ham, strawberries and ice cream.
22nd Alys to Mundesley.
24th Cook at 8.30.
Derby won by Aga Khan’s horse.
Sunday 25th May 1952
Fine and warm.
Wrote lettercard to Alys. Acceptation to Malcolm Berry. Tea and Mrs Cattle. Bread and milk lunch, and dried peaches with yoghurt and wheat germ. BHN to Post Office. Train 1.57 to Finchley Road and Sissie’s, St Clare‘s. From 3 till 5.20. She in bed. Jewelry. Home by 6.35. Egg, cheese bread soufflé, grilled. Ice cream and baked apple.
Monday 26th May 1952
Fair, cooler.
Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ room. Wrote cheque and sent Ernest Vernor Miles (for Distiller’s wine). To High Street – bap, kippers. Yoghurt at Express. Mrs Hill cooked rabbit and semolina pudding. Nichols from 2 – 5, 9/6 and tea. Dug up bed. Sewed black silk evening dress.
Tuesday 27th May 1952
Fine, windy.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting rooms. I to Post Office with A.A. hotel book for Alys and got cream. Cut out and made up bodice of black muslin and tried on skirt and body often. Weeded in garden and blackbird, chaffinch and robin came for food (2 latter took it from my hand).
Wednesday 28th May 1952
Fine.
To shops in BHN – High Street – bap and Durozone and Derby. Mrs Hill brought fish. Our rhubarb. Blackbird in dining room while I ate lunch. Worked at black muslin and underskirt. Play about Catherine Howard and Anne of Cleeves.
Thursday 29th May 1952
Cool, windy, sunny.
Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. To Bank. Walked. Omelette on spinach, rhubarb and yoghurt. Rested 1½ hours, slept a bit. Lettercard to Alys. Worked at underskirt and black muslin. Baby chaffinch on shelf.
Friday 30th May 1952
Cold.
Too High Street in BHN – bap. Express, yoghurt. Mrs Hills, smoked fillet haddock. Bought Indian ink and poster colour, Rawlinson’s. Painted muslin frock. Wrote Sissie, and lettercard to Alys.
Saturday 31st May 1952
Close, dull and some showers and sun.
To Kingham’s for rations. Lift in Mrs Tough‘s car. Weeded. Steak pie and new broad beans. Painted black muslin. Split herrings with oatmeal. “The Builder of Bridges”, Alfred Sutro.
Memo:
Tuesday – “The Tragedy of Dido, Queen of Carthage”, and by Christopher Marlowe.
29th Shoes – Hardy this week. Cape Achille Serre.
Sunday 1st June 1952
Very wind. Mild. Some sun in p.m.
Ted Shenton phoned, and Phoebe. Beefsteak pie and Fropax peas. Tore tongue on claw of dental plate. Bled a lot. Bound sleeves of muslin dress. “International Birdsong Contest”, 730. Chaffinch kept coming in, and not being able to find his way out again.
Monday 2nd June 1952
Showers and sun.
Lettercard to Alys and to Post Office with letters. Met postman and talked of Bobby. Then met Bobby! with Hunt (thought he might be dead). Worked at black muslin – ironed. Put 11 eggs in Oteg. Blackbird’s nest is in Cattle‘s front garden. Finished “The Limit”, Ada Leverson.
Tuesday 3rd June 1952
Fine.
10.16 to London. Evans. To Blennerhassett 12. Took mould of lower jaw. Lunch. “Harris’ duck”. Rest 15 minutes. Mandy phoned. Cleaned and dusted. She came at 5, had tea. Left about 6.15. I cleaned balcony. Supper. Fine.
Wednesday 4th June 1952
(no weather).
Went on with cleaning balcony and ladder. To Blennerhasset at 12 and he put my plate in, and filled a tooth. To Peter Robinson‘s (after C&A). Bought grey jersey jacket. Lunch; cleaned bedroom, denture off. “The Sea Around Us” with James, 4.16 to Northwood, Colliver Fisher. Birds and garden, weeded. Alys came at 6:30!
5th Queen’s Official Birthday.
Thursday 5th June 1952
Fair, showers.
Alys phoned Phil, and Mandy re. Saturday. Mrs Bearcroft, windows. Alys in JLN and I in BHN to shops (and she to Cook’s garage.). I High Street. Mrs Hill appeared (to our surprise) and did grilled herrings. Rest. Sewing. Alys phoned Eva re. Sherborne and Phil again in evening re. Mandy.
Friday 6th June 1952
Close. Sun and very heavy thunder showers.
Income tax reclaim arrived £102.9.0. Early lunch 12.15 – soused herring. 12.44 to Baker Street. To China shop (Smith’s), Lloyds Bank. Bus to Oxford Circus. To Blennerhasset. He altered plate 2.30. To Evan’s in rain. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Cleaned and moth powder. 4.45 to Northwood. BHN up. Kippers, and talk of Southwold rooms. “The Prodigal Son”, André Gide.
Saturday 7th June 1952
Fine. Cold wind.
Alys to shops. I walked to shops later. Filleted plaice, grilled. At 2.40 we in JLN to Marion Berry‘s P.N.E.U. School, Rickmansworth. Sports. Eva, Teddy and Eve there. Tea in garden. Home at 6. “Miss Mabel”, by Sheriff.
Memo:
3rd Blennerhasset 12.
Mrs Bearcroft a.m. on 4th instead of Tuesday. Mrs. Hill not till Wednesday.
5th Alys home.
James’ 15th birthday.
7th Marion Barry 3 – 5.
Alys at 119 Bickenhall Mansions 9th and 10th.
Sunday 8th June 1952
Dull a.m. Rain all p.m. Cold.
Barbara came about 1. Lunch (Chinese pigeons from Mrs Chan) and Fropax peas, new potatoes, apricots and ice cream. I posted cheques to Miss Ruffer and Cook (BHN) and “arrival“ to Ashridge. Barbara to tea also and Alys took her to Moor Park at 6.21 (she at Watford).
Monday 9th June 1952
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. Alys in JLN to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. I to Boots in BHN. Mrs Hill cooked sausages. Nichols at 2 – 5. Mowed lawns, and also scythe for long grasses. I built up place for coals; and cut lilac. Ironed and sewed in evening grey jacket’s sleeves, cuffs. “L’Aiglon”.
Tuesday 10th June 1952
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft here. Cook (gardener) and wife called say goodbye. Tea, and 95 cigarettes. Washed and sewed muslin dress. To shops for lettuce and to Boots. Alys still at Bicky tonight. “The Straw”, Eugene O’Neill, TB sanitarium.
Wednesday 11th June 1952
Fine.
Alys back a.m. and Eva came with bicycle, which Cook put on Alys’ car JLN. I fetched Alys and Eva from Cook’s garage in BHN. Eva to lunch, Mrs Hill, mutton joint, rhubarb pie, ice cream. Ironed napkins. Cut out blouse (Poz’s silk). Took Eva to station 4.15 and Alys to get JLN. Cook said aluminium for BHN roof.
Thursday 12th June 1952
75°F Hot. Fine. Rain at night.
Mrs Bearcroft came, though ribs very sore. Phoned Dr Chambers. Alys to shops and hair-do. JLN and JJ. I to shops BHN. Sent tea to Lucy. Rations. Then to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch; and Blennerhassett 2 (bone may work out of gum). 3.29 back or 30. Sewed. Alys packing. Kippers and grapefruit.
Berkhamsted
Friday 13th June 1952
Fine, warm.
(Biro filled). Alys in JLN at 8.30 to meet Eva, and drive to Sherborne. I packed. Mrs Hill, lunch. To Bicky; bus Euston, 3.15 train to Berkhamsted. 59 Bus to Ashridge. Tea. Room 61 (roof). Dinner 7.30. Professor Newall, 8.30, welcoming address. Very good. Group 11 anteroom. Holroyd (BBC), Newbery Australia, Popham, Ricky. (Talked Malik, Pakistan).
Saturday 14th June 1952
Cool, dull. Foggy.
Breakfast 8.15. Chapel 9. Professor J Godfrey, Foreign Policy 9.30. Discussion Group 11. General discussion 11.45. Lunch 1. In library, and slept on bed. Tea 4.30. American Economic Situation, Professor Richard Goodwin, 5.15. Group at 6. Dinner 7.30. Questions 8.30. Dances 10. Spoke to Winifred Cullis. Holroyd’s. Mrs Newbery. Miss Willison.
Memo:
13th to 16th Ashridge, British-American Association.
9th Cook’s to Australia or 11th.
Eva and Alys to Sherborne 13th.
13th Mrs Hill’s holiday.
10th or 11th Mandy to America.
Sunday 15th June 1952
Cool, grey.
Breakfast 8.30. Chapel 9.20. Read Observer and in monks’ garden. Professor and Mrs Goodwin. Dinner 1. 2.15 American Attitude to Coloured Races, Morris U.S. Embassy and Miss Daly. 3 discussion group. Holyroyd leader. 3.45 Questions. 4.30 Tea. 5.15 Political Scene in Election Year, Professor Donald Bishop. 6 groups. Dinner Teachers. 8.30 Questions. Admiral Boyd spoke.
Northwood
Monday 16th June 1952
Fine. Cool.
Breakfast 8. Bus 8.30 to Berkhamsted. 8.49 train to Euston. Bus to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Then back to Northwood at 11.30. Alys there (having driven from Sherborne with Eva yesterday). Mrs Bearcroft there. Cold lamb and salad. Nichols 2 – 5. I slept and dreamt. Alys gave Nichols teapot at 4. Cold bacon. “P.C. 49”, “The Luck of the Vails”.
Tuesday 17th June 1952
Fair. Cool.
Mrs Bearcroft came, and did meat off bone. I High Street in BHN. Alys made curry. After lunch, sewed gloves (on bed) listening in. Did a lot of weeding on rose-beds (with hose). Alys rang up Amy Nichol, and Eva. Phil phoned. “The Colour Bar in Britain”, Wynford Vaughan Thomas. “J. M. Synge”.
Wednesday 18th June 1952
Cool, fair.
Alys in JLN to fetch Phil’s dinghy engine outboard motor. Lost her way, and went 44 miles. I took Kitty’s at 12, lunch, gingerbread and back to Northwood at 5.40. Lined back of grey jacket. “September Tide”.
Thrush, blackbird and young tit on shelf.
Thursday 19th June 1952
Fair cool.
Letter from Sissie, wanting to see me. Alys shopped in Northwood. I lined grey jacket. With Alys to Ryder‘s, she bought black and white frock 3.12.6. Lunch. I in BHN to Sissie at St Clare‘s Nursing Home, Moss Hall Crescent. There from 2 – 3.30. Home at 4.10. Sewed, unpicked. Alys had felt sick, but better. Eggs and our “wild” strawberries.
Friday 20th June 1952
Fine, cool.
Air-letter from Mandy. Machined silk blouse (Poz’s stuff). Altered Alys’ (Dennis’) coat. Alys to shops. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen. Wrote Sissie. To Bank and got hair trim (Lorna) opposite station. Weeded, and watered. Wiz to supper (soused herrings, cold meats, salad, strawberries and ice cream). He took JJ up to town, to drive it to Phil tomorrow with sails.
Saturday 21st June 1952
Dull, cold.
Found that burglar must have taken bag; so to 119 Bickenhall Mansions and to Selfridges, and bought brown zip bag in basement £2.2.6, and padlock 4/6. Back by 1 o’clock (BHN to Post Office and back). Nichols came 1.30 – 4.45. Ironed and Alys altered her new frock. “Wedding Group”, (Crimea) Richard Hurndall.
Memo:
18th to Kitty’s 12.20.
Hair trim Lorna 2/6 + 6d.
Sunday 22nd June 1952
Nice day on whole. One very heavy shower.
All day, both Alys and I are getting packed and mended. Posted cheque to Hereford, R.A.I. Secretary £4.4.6. On to Cattle’s 6–7 (talk of their holiday Chagford, Easton Court Hotel). Alys cooked bacon, egg, sausages for supper. “No Name”, Wilkie Collins.
Brighton
B.A.A. Congress.
Monday 23rd June 1952
Perfect day.
Alys drove me to Station 9.31 and on to Victoria by 10.35. Met Lois, and Pullman seats to Brighton. 11 o’clock. Arrived 12. Taxi to Palace Pier Hotel 2/ – with tip. Out lunch at a café 2/6 + 5d. Rest, and at 3 all met at Pavilion. At 4.30 tea there. Then Lois and I on beach railway 9 d along to Camptown and back. Dinner 7. To bed 9.20.
Tuesday 24th June 1952
Perfect day.
Laurie joined us at Storrington. Start 9.30. Sompting Church, Cissbury camp. Coke’s house, West Burton (Mrs Courthold), Bignor Roman Villa (Topper). Lunch Norfolk Arms. Arundel Castle and keep and St Nicholas Church with monuments. Tea, Norfolk Arms. Old and new Shoreham Churches. Dinner 7.15. On pier with Laurie.
Wednesday 25th June 1952
Fine.
To Worth Church, then West Hoathly, the Priest House (Museum) and Manor House (Anne of Cleves). 12.20 to Old Surrey Hall. Lunch at Letheby & Christopher’s, East Grinstead. Sackville almshouses, Withyham Church. Tea Maiden’s Head Hotel, Uckfield. Crossword with Mrs Tanner and Miss Curzon. To Cook’s Hotel. Laurie there. Out till 10. Illuminated Pavilion and fountains.
Thursday 26th June 1952
Fine.
To Pevensey Castle (1940 work). 11.45 Herstmonceux Castle, Greenwich Observatory. Lunch White Friars Hotel, Boreham (cellar Battery). Battle Abbey Girls School (Cecil Boomer). Boring guide. Tea, Wellington Hotel (other party Gateway Tearooms). To Ashburnham Place, Lady Ashburnham and Mr Gunner. Back 8.5.
Friday 27th June 1952
Fine, hot.
Clayton Church, then Danny Park (school unruly boys) Peace Conference. Then Wiston Park, Foreign Office and Germans. Lunch at Manor House Hotel, Storrington. Parham Park, (Pearson’s). Tea, Storrington. Laurie and Ele met us (Hardham Church first). Brighton 7. After dinner on bus to Rottingdean (passing Roedean and St Dunstan’s). Packed.
Northwood
Saturday 28th June 1952
Very hot 82°F.
Taxi with Lois to station, bags in cloakroom (Lois to London). 10.15 to Lewes (19 of us). Priory of St Pancras. Anne of Cleve‘s house. Lunch. Holloway‘s Restaurant (steep hill up). The Castle. Tea at Holloway‘s Restaurant. Coach 4.15 to Brighton. 5.8 to Victoria 6.21. Taxi to Baker Street 4/6. To Northwood. Taxi. Alys had a lovely supper – salmon mayonnaise and strawberries.
Memo:
23rd to 28th B.A.A, Brighton.
23rd 11 am from Victoria to Brighton. Leave home for 9.31 train or earlier.
23rd Alys at Cave’s till 25th.
28th Home.
Sunday 29th June 1952
Very hot and fine. All windows shut, so cool.
Altered rod in wardrobe. Turned out Dutch cupboard, two top shelves. Soused herring, raspberries and cream (synthetic). To pillarbox with letters. On bed, reading. More clearing out old cuttings from papers. Salmon, ice cream and strawberries. (Iceland crash, two men on radio).
Monday 30th June 1952
Hot. 85°F.
Sorted “Listeners” all day. Mrs Hill. Alys to have hair done in Northwood p.m. I washed my hair in p.m. Cold bacon lunch. Soused herring supper. Very hot, even in garden, watering.
Tuesday 1st July 1952
Very hot 92°F
Mrs Bearcroft came (had been not well). I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 10.1 (Alys took me to station). Eggs, lunch. To Selfridges. Got covers Phoenix glass and nylon, blue-green. To Mr Sampson for plate (Blennerhasset away). Got Taler’s. Taxi to 119 Bickenhall Mansions 2/6. To Northwood 4.48. Colliver Fisher 2/6. Sat in garden on grass, sprinkler on.
Wednesday 2nd July 1952
Less hot.
Alys shingles spot on forehead? Dr Baker came, said possibly, but very light. Mrs Hill came. I to get petrol and bread. Took Mrs Hill to bus. To Bank and Post Office. Unpicked. Wrote Lois with cheque for Hereford ticket. Weeded front garden. Defrosted Fridge.
Thursday 3rd July 1952
Dull. Rainy, cool.
Laundry. To Northwood Hills with EKCO kitchen radio and my new small one. Got oil, water, air in BHN. Mrs Bearcroft did bathroom. Alys cleared out drawers looking for links. Rested and slept a long time. We opened ham (Holland) for lunch. Eggs on our spinach supper. Phil phoned. He over 15 month’s work on sputum and staining.
Friday 4th July 1952
Fine, cool.
Alys’ 68th birthday. I to Dorlon’s, Finchley Road for chocolate for Phil. Back and to post them at Northwood High Street and get kippers, bread. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen. Slept in p.m. Alys’ shingles better. She sat on veranda. Eva‘s finger very bad indeed. Eggs and bacon supper. Phil phoned re. lady at Great Missenden.
Saturday 5th July 1952
Fine.
Washed clothes. To Northwood Hills for ECKO radio 12/6, and strawberries. Eva to Amersham Hospital to have finger cut (anaesthetic). Cold lamb and salad., Strawberries and cream (synthetic). Ironed, machine. Tied up phlox, canes. Alys sat in garden most of p.m. Eva still in great pain with finger. Teddy phoned.
Memo:
1st Sampson (Blennerhasset) 3.15.
5th Collect ECKO radio.
4th Sent cheque £10 for Eva and Teddy‘s birthdays.
Phil home 8th and 9th.
Green woodpecker feeding young one on lawn.
Sunday 6th July 1952
Hot. Cloudy, windy.
Some gardening, and watering. Eva to hospital for finger to be dressed, and much less pain. I had “dazzles” in eyes. Lay down, but felt alright almost at once. Lamb and salad. Alys wrote re. Gugleman’s room. I machined green foulard dress. Green woodpecker feeding young on lawn ants.
Monday 7th July 1952
Fine. Windy.
Phoned Lois. Weeding, and green dress. Alys in JLN to shops. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Phil‘s room. Nichols came, mowed and scythed orchard. I did more weeding, and clearing up. Mrs Hill brought raspberries from her garden. “The Nameless One of Europe”, James Forsyth.
Tuesday 8th July 1952
Dull, warmish.
Mrs. Bearcroft dinner. Alys to shops, I also in BHN. Chose melon together. Then Alys to Liverpool Street to meet Phil (from Mundesley) and lunch there. They came home at about 6. Phil had been to Price Thomas, and Smart. Very brown and wonderful looking. Hors d’oeuvres and ham and melon. Phil in JLN to see Dr Baker 8.45 – 10.15?
Wednesday 9th July 1952
Fair, warm.
Phil in bed to breakfast; and up and phoned Eva, and then to Ernest Miles for lunch. Mrs Hill did cold mince. Alys and I to Liverpool Street taking 2 suitcases, and met Phil, and he to Mundesley 3.30. We back to Northwood. I made bread (5 minutes self-raising flour, kippers. Sat in garden till 9.
Thursday 10th July 1952
Warm, fair.
Laundry. Alys at 9.15 to Mrs Hill’s for ration book (bacon and tea). Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. I doing evening dress, Irish lace most of day. To Bank. Haircut (Lorna). High Street, stockings. Wrote Mandy. Alys back at 4. Did green foulard. Bertrand Russell on Lord Keynes and Lytton Strachey – “Portraits From Memory”.
Friday 11th July 1952
Warm, dull.
I sent Phil‘s black shoes to Mundesley. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions and Bond Street (with grey Jaler‘s who squeak) and Selfridge’s to change Phoenix. Lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Phoned Lois and Leyel. Home (BHN at Post Office) by 2.6. Rest. Slept. Mrs Bearcroft doing kitchen. Posted letter to Margaret Hindhaugh. Sewed green dress. Alys sorting and packing (brought wireless for Alys to take to Aldeburgh).
Saturday 12th July 1952
Cool. Fair, windy.
To shops in BHN. Got peas and blackcurrant. Alys and I shelled them. Mrs Hill, steak and kidney pie. De-rusted Phil’s “angles” most of p.m. in his work room. Did odd sewing. “I Have Been Here Before”, Priestley.
Memo:
8th Phil home (after Price Thomas checkup) for one day or 9th. (Saw him March 24th last). 24 weeks since operation.
10th Wrote Mandy.
11th Wrote Margaret Hindhaugh.
Sunday 13th July 1952
Gale, warmish.
Most of day packing. Alys too, Phil‘s. To post with letters to Pritt and Sissie from Alys. Beef steak pie. Ilkley pudding; blackcurrant and whipped cream (synthetic).
Hereford
Monday 14th July 1952
Fair. Fine evening.
Breakfast 7.30. Alys took me to catch 8.28 to Marylebone. Taxi Paddington. 9.45 to Hereford with Lois and Laurie and Mrs Holden. Choc ice, biscuits. Arrived 2. Taxi to City Arms Hotel. To Museum. Mr F. C. Morgan on pictures there. To All Saints Church. Lois and I tea at café. Hotel and rest. Dressed and dined 7 (Jack Willis). Lois, Jack and I (with Simpson (Gypsy Queen)) to Hall. Mayor’s Reception. Speeches Town Clerk, Mayor, Wheeler and Major Salt.
Tuesday 15th July 1952
Fine. One tiny shower.
Lettercard to Alys. 9.15 coach to Kilpeck church, and Castle. Then Kentchurch Court where Mrs Scudamore received us. Then Grosmont Church and Castle. Picnic lunch at Castle ruins. 2.30 onto Llanthony Abbey (G. Webb). Tea at Ewyas Harold. To Abbey Dore Church. Dinner 7.10. At 8.15 Museum for 17. F. C. Morgan’s talk on chained library, with slides.
Wednesday 16th July 1952
Fine.
Went and bought cherries. All a.m. in and around Cathedral chained library. Mappa Mundi. Got sandwiches and ate in my room. 2 to Dinedor Camp. To Ross Church. Miss Dallas’ car broke down. Tea, Royal Hotel, Ross-on-Wye. Goodrich Castle, up the Keep. Baillie Reynolds (the Queen of Maiden Castle). At 8.30 Cyril Fox lectured on Offa’s Dyke at Town Hall.
Thursday 17th July 1952
Fair.
Jack drove with Winifred Simpson. 9.15 Weobley Church, Major Salt, walk through Weobley village, Major Salt. Pembridge Church and Belfry (wooden) and Pembridge village. Cider at New Inn. Battlefields of Mortimer’s Cross. Picnic. Croft Castle (house) and Church. Eye Manor. Tea given us by Mr and Mrs Christopher Sandford (corgis). Leominster Priory. Lois, Laurie and Jack Willis to call on Vaughan-Jones, Ledbury Road. I wrote Phil.
Friday 18th July 1952
Fine. Fair. Windy.
9.15 to Sutton Walls. 10.30 Hampton Castle, then Risbury Camp. Lunch Buckenhill Manor Hotel (Mangus, Gutteridge, Platts). To Brockhampton Hall (National Trust). 3.40 Herefordshire Beacon (alas, no crêpe soles!). Tea British Camp Hotel. Ledbury Church. Archdeacon, Winn Jug. Dinner 7.30.
Northwood
Saturday 19th July 1952
Fine. Warm.
Packed. Wrote Sissie, posted a.m. At 9.30 to Brinsop Court, then Offa’s Dyke and Madley Church. Lunch, City Arms 5/–. Taxi and Winifred Simpson‘s car. 2.6 train (Lois, Laurie and Jack) to Paddington (changed Oxford). Arrived 5.55. Taxi to Baker Street with Faraday’s. 6.21 to Northwood, Colliver Fisher. Supper in bed. Alys at Aldeburgh.
Memo:
14th to 19th City Arms Hotel, Hereford R.A.I.
16th Alys to Aldeburgh – Wentworth.
18th Phil to Aldeburgh, Wentworth.
17th Wrote Phil for photos, and sent John Gugelmann’s.
22nd Defrosted Fridge, Northwood.
Sunday 20th July 1952
Hot and fine. 80°F.
Unpacked. Wrote Pauline and Alys. Omelette and peas. Looked up genealogical tree, Ker Reid. Lay on bed, slept a bit. Sheridan play p.m. Hose on, picked roses. “The Return of the Prodigal”, (Court Theatre play) St John Hankin, 6.30 – 8. Eva phoned.
Monday 21st July 1952
Hot, dullish. 80°F.
Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ room – spring clean. In BHN, took 2 wireless sets to Northwood Hills. Mrs Hill brought her French beans and made cheese soufflé. Nichols came, cut grass and hedges. Kitty phoned. Phil phoned from Aldeburgh for toolbox. De-rusted it a bit.
Tuesday 22nd July 1952
Hot, 86°F but breeze.
Defrosted Fridge 8.30 a.m. Lettercard to Phil. Took Phil‘s toolbox to station – 2/8 Company’s risk, sent to Aldeburgh. Posted 5/– for driving license. Kept hose on most of day, back and front garden. Mrs Bearcroft went on with Alys’ room. Painted cretonne frock. Read “History of London”, Alan Ivimey. Lettercard to Sissie and Lucy. Mrs Rothwell phoned.
Wednesday 23rd July 1952
Dull, cooler much.
Washed things and weeded, after hose on. Mrs Cattle brought French beans. Postcard to Laurie. 2/6 to Ashridge. Painted frock. In to see Cattle’s “lounge” redecorated.
25th Blackbird sang splendidly
25th Defrosted Fridge 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 24th July 1952
Very fine, warm.
Laundry. To High Street in BHN. Brought Mrs Hill back up the hill. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. Did more washing and ironed in p.m. Weeded and watered.
Friday 25th July 1952
Hot.
Mrs Hill, sausages and beans. I to get cheese and Post Office and took bag to station cloakroom 5d. After lunch, walked and 2.54 to Baker Street, 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Margaret Hindhaugh tea 3.40 – 5.50! Then Jack Willis at 6.15, Sherry. Reid, Ker-Reid Tree. Lent him Ella‘s copy. He stayed supper and Julienne soup (Phil’s from P.W.W.), boiled eggs, ham sandwich.
Saturday 26th July 1952
Dullish. Hot.
To Chandos Street. At 9.15, all in coach to Otford (by Blackheath) Church and Palace (Thomas a’ Becket). To Farningham. Lunch there (river and bridges). To Lullingstone Roman Villa, Colonel Meake? and Mr Craig Nicholson talked. Eynsford Church and Castle. Tea. Farningham (and Church). Back at Cavendish Square 8. Northwood 8.45. “Voysey Inheritance”.
Memo:
Sissie 27th.
20th Wrote Pauline with “few days in September” to Nellie.
26th 10.10 B.A.A. Lullingstone Roman Villa.
25th Friday, Margaret Hindhaugh 4, tea at Bicky. Jack Willis, 6 p.m.
30th Blackbird sang 15 minutes, 8.25 – 8.40.
Sunday 27th July 1952
Cooler, dullish.
Wrote Alys. Picked roses for Sissie. Beef steak pie and peas. In BHN to Sissie. (Moss Hill Crescent at 3.45 – started at 3). Stayed till 5.5, and home at 5.35. Brought back old sheet of hers to make diapers from. Pretty tired.
Monday 28th July 1952
Cool.
Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. I not out all day, except to post lettercard to Alys, enclosing tea and sweet coupons. Cut out and machined 6 diapers for Sissie. Kitty phoned. Eva phoned. Mrs Hill did lunch. Nichols came. I gardened a bit.
Tuesday 29th July 1952
Fine, warmer.
Did up 6 diapers, and took to post, High Street. Got oranges, tomatoes, lettuce. Got 2 gallons petrol, distilled water, air. Eva phoned. In garden. Made prune shape, with gelatin and egg white. Machined Brussels “frock” hem.
Wednesday 30th July 1952
Hot, fine.
Mrs Hill did lunch, mince, with ham. 2.11 to Baker Street. Took shoe to Hardy. Bought 4lb chocolate at Richoux at 7/– a pound and some over, 35/– less one/– for sugar. Took back and did up and sent by post to Alys. Got milk and cream and bread. Blackbird sang beautifully.
First rain for weeks on August 1st.
Thursday 31st July 1952
Warm. Fine.
Kitty phoned, couldn’t come (operation, piles). To Fern’s and Roches and back 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 12. Lois and Laurie at 1 to lunch. 2 tins opened. Lettuce, tomatoes, prune shape and whipped cream. At 3.15 to Leyel (spray). 119 Bickenhall Mansions, washed up. At 6.30 M.M. Club. Lois, Laurie, Jack Willis, Eric and Michael – dinner. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions 8.15. Blackbird didn’t sing. To Grove Road 8.36, Colliver Fisher. Home 9.15.
Friday 1st August 1952
Fair, some rain.
To High Street early for bread and peas. Shelled 4lb peas (Mrs Hill also brought some). Eva (in CUC) to lunch. Talked till 3.30. She to pick up Eve at Rickmansworth. Mrs Bearcroft (holidays begin). I (BHN to Post Office) to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 5.15. Michael Faraday at 5.25, and stayed to supper, until 8.45. I back to Northwood and home 9.40.
Saturday 2nd August 1952
Heavy showers and sun.
In BHN to Mrs Hill re. Monday and got ice cream. Took tea and leaf de trop (sliced bread) to Mrs Cattle. Mince and peas. In p.m. made pocket in Brussels cotton frock. Sorted out cuttings, recipes in desk long time. “Men and Women”, by Shirland Quinn, play about possessive wife.
Memo:
27th Sissie.
30th To get chocolate at Richoux, for Phil.
12th Kitty to Bicky, lunch.
31st 3.15 Leyel. 6.30 Lois at M.M. – Michael supper.
Write Kitty.
1st Eva lunch.
5th Defrosted Fridge.
Sunday 3rd August 1952
Heavy showers and sunshine.
Some weeding. Wrote Nellie Moir long letter re. plans; and Alys lettercard. To post. At 2.30, “The Arbitration”, Epitrepontes of Menander, comedy (Gilbert Murray). “Norwegian Journey – to the Lofoten Islands and Hartstad”. Very good “Tales from the Pacific Islands”, Sir Arthur Grimble. “Branch Line”, Brent – Kingsbridge. Patched waist of Richmond cretonne.
Monday 4th August 1952
Fine a.m. Rain p.m.
Washed a lot of things. Finished painting Richmond cretonne with ink. “Star Without a Name”, 9.15. 8.30 “Say the Word”, contumelious. Ate orange at 1 a.m!
Tuesday 5th August 1952
Showers and sun. Muggily hot.
Defrosted Fridge; very thoroughly cleaned it. To Gas Co. in BHN, and station and Hudson’s. Warmed up pork and gravy and peas. Mended sheet (patch), sorted out papers to throw away. Prunes through sieve. “Watkins Explorer England”, Gino Watkins explorer (with Courtauld and Spencer Chapman in Arctic) – drowned 1932 aged 25
Wednesday 6th August 1952
Muggy. Sunny. Big thunderstorm 7.30 – 8
Made prune whip for Kit. Tidied room, and picked roses. Mrs Hill made fishcakes for lunch. I met Kitty 12.38, drove home. Sat on veranda, and also after lunch a bit. Then indoors. Kit read 1886, writings of mine. Lemon Idris and biscuit. Took her 5 to station. “The Exhibitionists”, Jean Cocteau. Very good, Sonia Dresdel..
2¼ inches rain in thunderstorm.
Thursday 7th August 1952
To High Street in BHN. Wrote a lettercard to Alys in car and posted there. Got rations at Kingham’s and Sainsbury’s. Omelette of scraps. Ironed clothes, altered hem of Marks & Spencer frock. Tied up goldenrod and daisies knocked over by heavy rain last night. “Conquistador” Montezuma, Archibald MacLeish.
Friday 8th August 1952
Fair.
Met Mrs Hill at Warboys; Home, then Northwood Hills for 2 wireless sets – Alys’ and EKCO. Got petrol, air. Curry, vegetable marrow. Took Mrs Hill home and long shopping at Co-op! (gave her 6 eggs, apples, roses). Weeding in front garden. “The Governor‘s Wife”, bullfight 3rd Act by Jacinto Benavente.
Saturday 9th August 1952
Showers and sun.
Horrible a.m. with flies in kitchen cupboard. Turned all out, threw away tins, cartons and cleaned up. Curry and mince pie lunch. Very good. Tied up 3 honeysuckles, and Laburnum tree. Cut mint for drying. “Rupert Brooke” 6.20 –7.30 (3rd). “Plat du Jour – Of the French Omelette and Ancient Rome”, Lady Vischer.
Memo:
Mrs Bearcroft holiday all week.
Laundry holiday 4th to 18th.
6th Kit to lunch. Meet her 12.38.
4th Wrote Sissie suggesting Thursday, Friday or Sunday.
7th or 8th Gasman.
Sunday 10th August 1952
Showers (very few) and sunshine – mild.
Up late. Picked roses, and apples for Sissie. Wrote Kit. Curry and spinach (our new row), mince pie. Drive to Sissie‘s in BHN. Started 2.50, got there about 3.30. Left at 5. Home at 5.35. “The Pennine Way – Dales and Fells”, High Force, Colin Wills. “The Blasphemer” by Thierry Maulnier.
Monday 11th August 1952
Fair, dull but no rain.
Mrs Bearcroft back; cleaned sittingroom a bit and hall. Gas Co. man cleaned gas stove. Wrote lettercard to Alys. Mrs Hill, sausages and bacon and beans. Nichols mowed grass and lit bonfire. I ironed Sissie’s towel and tea cloths. “Sweethearts and Wives”, good at 4.30. At 9.15, “The Funeral Pyre”, Gabriel Marcel and “Israeli Music”, Jewish songs, pipe and drum. Eva phoned.
Tuesday 12th August 1952
Fine, windy.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. I did up parcel for Sissie – towel stockings handkerchiefs, “courage” book, 4 lettercards, 5/– stamps. Washed things. In BHN to post parcel. To Rex Cinema – “Gift Horse”, 2/8 and “I’m a Stranger”. Radio to shop re-switch. Home at 5 or so. Did gardening; bonfire, tied up nasturtiums.
Wednesday 13th August 1952
Fine. Hot.
Kit phoned and fixed to come here again today. In garden. Mrs Hill. To High Street and Bank and met Kit 12.38. She brought some fish to go with ours, apple purée, semolina soufflé, yoghurt. Sat on veranda and (when too hot) on grass in shade. Read 1894 Diary April/May. Kit away 4.45. Gardened. 7.55 “Love and Geography”, Bjornstjerne Bjornson.
15th Disastrous storm and flood swept away Lynmouth – houses destroyed. 34 killed – drowned.
Thursday 14th August 1952
Fine. Hot sun.
Defrosted Fridge. Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. In BHN to shops. Looked at things to take to Berry’s. Phoned Kit re. spectacles. After lunch, at about 3, off to Eva‘s. Long hold up in Rickmansworth. James and Eve at tea. Dougal and Poussa (dog and cat). Garden and little trees lovely (took tin pork 10/– from Hudson‘s). Home at 7. Sardines.
Friday 15th August 1952
Fair. Hot. Thundery evening.
Phoned Lois after lunch. In BHN to meet Mrs Hill with ration book at butcher’s. To High Street. Mrs Hill made cheese pudding, and peas; and steak for weekend. Wrote lettercard to Alys and posted it. Bonemeal to rose-beds. Hoed them. Thunderstorm 9 – 10. “Tales From the Pacific Islands – Mr Cadet Grimble”, Arthur Grimble.
Saturday 16th August 1952
Fair.
Gardening almost all day. Dozen slips of pink set out. Hoed and bonemeal to rest of rosebeds. Wall flowers. Lettercard from Alys about Whim winning W. M. Crean. Food (all meat) parcel from Amy Steel. “The Watcher in the Wings”, Susan Ertz.
Memo:
13th Paid Nichols 25/- for Bank Holiday and 11th.
11th Lettercard to Alys.
10th Sissie 3-ish.
10th Buttertubs, Teesdale 6.15 Home Service. Good.
15th 10 p.m. Sir Arthur Grimble – Pacific.
14th To Eva’s p.m.
15th Lettercard to Alys.
17th Sissie.
19th Bicky. Defrosted Electrolux.
Sunday 17th August 1952
Lovely day.
Picked roses for Sissie; and spinach. Wrote Amy Steel (wrote Lucy with tea coupons). Drove to Sissie’s 3.30. Home 5.25. “No Name”, Wilkie Collins.
Monday 18th August 1952
Rain all day.
Mrs Bearcroft, box-room. Oiled lathe (rusted again). Changed bar in my wardrobe (2nd). Mrs Hill, sausage rolls. Afternoon wrote lettercard to Alys. Nichols came but went away 3.15. Eva phoned. I to Post Office (walked) and Boots. “The Venetian”, Clifford Bax.
Tuesday 19th August 1952
Dull, showers. Little sun.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting-room. To shops, BHN. Met Eva and Eve (dentist) and all to 12 Grove Road in CUC and BHN. Lunch. They home at 2. I walked station. 2.26 to Bicky. To Selfridges. Mat 23/6. Bicky. Phoned Kit re. her spectacles and Lois. Lovely supper of mushrooms, given by Eva.
Wednesday 20th August 1952
Showers. Dull.
Kit came for her spectacles. To Swan & Edgar – bought grey frock and stockings. To Club and met Lois, who lunched with me there. Both to Osler & Faraday’s. Michael had my lamp switch done. Gave him 10/–. To Fern’s. To Lois‘s Club – M. M. (Mainly Musicians Club) at Great Cumberland Place. I joined it. May Mukle seconded me. £1.1.0. To Club U. N. S. (United Nursing Services’ Club) and back. Bicky and Northwood by 4.58 train. Play, “Each In His Own Way”, Pirandello.
Thursday 21st August 1952
Fine.
Got petrol and oil. Lettercard from Alys – Phil in bed with cold, cough (penicillin). Picked roses and apples for Sissie. Mushroom stew lunch, apple pie. At 2.30 to Sissie‘s. Wrote postcard re. radio. Started back at 3.45. Back at 4.15. In garden. Made coleslaw for supper, with tinned meat (from Amy). “The Valldemosa Affair”, George Sand and Chopin at Majorca. Took brandy to Sissie.
Friday 22nd August 1952
Very fine.
Lettercard from Alys – Phil still in bed (since 18th 2.30). Washed clothes. Phoned Hawkins. In BHN to High Street and Mrs Hill, Warboys with Alys’ rations.. So veal joint! Had it for lunch. To Rex 2/3 to see “Angels One Five”, RAF film. “Septic”, Jack Hawkins, Commanding Officer. “Here’s to the Memory” (50 years). Wrote lettercard to Alys on way back. At 5.50 in garden, and after supper till 8.35.
Saturday 23rd August 1952
Very fine. Hot.
Lettercard from Alys. To get bread, Farner‘s and to Bank. Hawkins’ man for taps. Nichols, instead of Monday, at 1.30. Away about 4.30. Gave him tea. Sewed while plays in p.m. and evening. Gardened a little. “Plat du Jour – Different Ways with Cabbage, Vegetable Magic, and Herbal Delights”, Lady Vischer. “Too Clever For Love”, not very good. “The Lifemanship Lectures – The Art of Not Rock-Climbing.
Memo:
19th Sleep at Bicky.
17th Sissies 2.30 with brandy.
21st Laundry holiday ends.
21st Rex 2.45 – 5.30.
20th Lois, Club 2.30. Osler & Faraday.
Mrs Bearcroft comes Wednesday 20th a.m. instead Thursday.
17th Tea coupons to Lucy.
23rd Nichols.
Jet, Canberra, crossed Atlantic both ways in 10 hours (Gander and back) – actual flying.
Sunday 24th August 1952
Fine, warm.
In garden moving lilies and Alys’ wallflowers (Siberian). At 2.30 “The Bachelor”, Turgenev (Miles Malleson). Sewed and rested. “The Penny Way”, 6.15. “No Name”, 8.30. 9.25 “Wife of a Minister”, Branislav Nušić, Yugoslavian.
Monday 25th August 1952
Very fine. Warm.
Mrs Bearcroft, Alys’ room. To shops and brought Mrs Hill back. Gardened. Nichols 2 – 6. He lit bonfire and did lavender, front and dug a bit. I mended mat (on woodpile). “The Ivory Door”, A. A. Milne (legend power).
Tuesday 26th August 1952
Fine, warm.
Defrosted Frigidaire. Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room. Phoned to Eva‘s. Wrote Jim Archer. Garden. To High Street for bread and Mrs Hill re. change days. Lunch 12.30. To Rex to see “Mandy” (little deaf girl) 2/8. Wrote Amy Steel re. tinned fruits. Sewed seeds of bush lupin. “Mr Justice Faversham”.
Wednesday 27th August 1952
Warm.
With Mrs Bearcroft by 9.21 to Bicky. Cleaning. Took curtains down, put up clean ones in sitting-room. Brushed bedroom curtains on balcony. Lunch. To Selfridge’s. Pattern “skirt”. Cardigan at Robell’s. Paid electricity bill. 3.20 back to Northwood. In garden. Supper. “Love and Mrs Lewisham”. Der Freischütz Edinburgh Festival.
Thursday 28th August 1952
Fine, warm.
Lettercard from Alys at last! All well. Phil alright. Did laundry. To shops. Washed wool jumper. Mrs Hill, veal pasties (bouchée – for dejeuner). Made sandwiches, cucumber. Eva and Eve at 4.45 (Eve had injection at dentist). Tea. Picked apples. I with them in CUC to Great Missenden and back by train, bringing Dougal (as they to Aldeburgh on Monday). Walked from Moor Park.
Friday 29th August 1952
Very fine and hot.
Stayed in for fridge man, who only came at 12.35. Washed Shetland cardigan. BHN with Dougal to shops. Got “Woof” dog meat 2/6 and biscuit. Mrs Hill, cold minced veal (Bruxelles). Mrs Bearcroft p.m. Rest. Wrote lettercard to Alys and to post it. (In a.m. sent of 12 eggs and margarine and butter to Eva). In garden.
Saturday 30th August 1952
Fair later. Rain in a.m.
Phoned Mrs Woodhouse (Barbara Woodhouse, dog trainer). Walked to shops in rain, with Dougal. After lunch, drove to Ricky, bought chain collar at Barton’s 3/6. On to Croxley Green and home by Watford. “The Short Spring” (went to sleep).
Memo:
28th Eva and Eve? 4.30.
29th Overend sending Frigidaire man a.m.
Sunday 31st August 1952
Dull, warm.
In garden. After lunch in BHN with Dougal. To Croxley Green. Army huts. Mrs Woodhouse teaching about 12 or 15 dog owners. Dougie and I amongst beginners. Home at 4.15. Rest. Garden. “The Character of Hitler”.
Monday 1st September 1952
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft did my room. Out with Dougal, training in parking place. Washed wool jumper. Mrs Hill, curry. Nichols, grass and then picked apples (Worcester Pearmans). Wrote Sissie. Mended old French mirror.
Tuesday 2nd September 1952
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room. To gravel pits with Dougal, and High Street and Rawlinson’s. Hung mirror, with Mrs Bearcroft. Rest in p.m. and a little gardening. BHN to Post Office and to get biro (which I left at Rawlinson‘s). I wrote Nellie Moir and Alys (with sweet coupons) in car.
Wednesday 3rd September 1952
Showers, very mild.
Walked round by path with Dougal. Planned curtain on table. Mrs Hill, U.S. sausage meat. Rest and sleep. At 4.30, walk to Kingham’s for rations. Shower; back; went on with curtain. Dougal’s ball lost under hut. Reginald Tate, “House of Correction”, Scotland Yard Inspector “Nick not killed”.
J. Derry killed at Farnborough airshow (6th) in de Havilland, DH 110 jet fighter, 25 spectators killed. And Tony Richards, test observer.
Thursday 4th September 1952
Still, very few bright times.
Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. In BHN with Dougal – training in gravel pits, then shops. After lunch did curtain. Rest. Then walk across railway bridge (footpath) to dog biscuit shop. Got new catch to Dougal’s lead 2/6. Planted new plants in garden, found by footpath.
Friday 5th September 1952
Very cold, north wind.
Wrote V. Archer (October). In BHN to High Street and gravel pits. Mrs Hill, mince 12.30. Then to town Bicky for Leyel bottle, and Bank to fix Defence Bonds £1200 to change to 3½% new Bonds. Home 3.6 train. Mrs Bearcroft there, with Dougal. Curtain sewing. Walk with Dougal. Lettercard to Kitty at The Randolph Hotel, Reydon.
Saturday 6th September 1952
Dull. Cold.
Walked to Boots and back by path and across bridge with Dougal. Mince in pastry. Rested, slept. Garden. Patched curtain. Play 4.10 “By Any Other Name”. glue factory by Leslie Harcourt. BHN on charge at 5. Walk to Express, yoghurt. They closed at 5.30. “Autumn Crocus”.
Memo:
31st Kitty and Kath to near Southwold, Reydon.
1st Berry’s to Cave’s house, Aldeburgh.
31st 2.30 Croxley Green, dog class.
Sunday 7th September 1952
Rain all day, cold.
Read and did curtain. Electric heater on. Lettercards to Alys and to Nellie Moir. At 1.30 took BHN off charge. Tested oil. At 2.15 with Dougal in BHN and to Croxley Green, The Armoury. Mrs Woodhouse‘s class – heel, close, sit, down, stay. Home for curtain patching. “Mansfield Park”.
Monday 8th September 1952
Cool, dull.
Stayed in for Overend, who didn’t come. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned spare room. Mrs Hill. Walked with Dougal to get bread and pay Boots. Wrote Alys lettercard and to post. Weeded. Phil phoned me from P.P.W., U.C.H. “Nightmare Abbey”, Thomas Love Peacock.
Tuesday 9th September 1952
Very cold and dull.
Mrs Bearcroft lit Cozy stove; cleaned dining room. BHN to shops and to post 12 eggs and margarine and butter to Eva, care of Molly Hadow, and also Phil‘s warrants to Ernest Miles. At 3 walked to get dog-meal, and ball. Weeded and back with Dougal. Wrote Nellie Moir at Club, and letter to the Times, “Holiside”. Phil phone said all satisfactory, stitch taken out.
Wednesday 10th September 1952
Less cold. Shower.
BHN on charge since 9th. Walked with Dougal across bridges. Machined new curtains in sitting room, and pinned. Mrs Hill brought fish and beans. Did curtains p.m. and weeded. Washed Persian curtains a.m., ironed in p.m. Eva phoned at 8.15. Just back from Aldeburgh.
13th Nellie saw baby tit feeding on nut from my hand on shelf.
Thursday 11th September 1952
Fine on whole. Rain in evening.
Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room and chest of drawers in spare room. I made bed and lined chest of drawers and electric blanket on bed and washed mat ready for Nellie. BHN to gravel pits with Dougal and High Street. Sewed curtain rings on. Took Dougal for a walk. Weeded. “The House of Bernarda Alba” by Federico Garcia Lorca, Spain villages.
Friday 12th September 1952
Sun and showers. Mild.
To meet Mrs Hill, and drove her up and then to meet Nellie Moir at 12.38. Lunch. Sat on veranda. Dougal and ballie. Then rested. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen. Tea at 4.15. “Mrs Dale‘s Diary”. Out over bridges. In sitting-room with electric stove. Baked fish in oven. To bed 9.30. Sir Arthur Grimble (“Tales from the Pacific Islands”) at 10. Put Alys’ wireless in Nellie‘s room.
Saturday 13th September 1952
Fine, sunny.
Sat on veranda in sun. My 73rd birthday. BHN to Batchworth Heath and then gravel pits for Dougal. Cold stew and salad, plums, milk pudding, yoghurt. Rest 2 – 4. Tea on veranda. Took Nellie to 5.10 train. Tidied her room. Found her sponge bag. Phil rang up from Aldeburgh re birthday. “The Sea Tower”, Hugh Walpole.
Memo:
Nellie Moir to Club. Arrive 12.38 Northwood here 12th.
10th Possibly Berry’s back (Teddy, Sunday)
9th Phil in P.P.W. U.C.H. for bronchoscopy p.m.
9th Sent Eva 12 eggs and margarine and butter to Aldeburgh.
Sent Phil‘s bank statements to Ernest Vernor Miles.
15th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 14th September 1952
Changeable, fair.
Took Dougal for a walk. Brushed him. At 1.35 to Rickmansworth; met Berry’s in parking place. All to Croxley Green but no Woodhouse class! So to our homes, they taking Dougal. Rested. “The Highland Fair”, Robert Kemp.
Monday 15th September 1952
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft. Put Phil’s cyclamen in pot, from garden. Mrs Hill, cheese pudding and beans. 1.32 Baker Street. Nellie came. To Apsley House together. Back 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Tea. We walked to M.M. Club, 35 Great Cumberland Place. Dinner 5/– each. Slept 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Tuesday 16th September 1952
Fine, warm.
Went to get plumber from office. Plumber put washers in cold taps. Washed net curtain. To Selfridge’s re. bill. Back to lunch. Dried mackerel. To Ambassadors Theatre (Lois, Agnes Rush, Dorothy Hawksley) Emlyn Williams’ Dickens (Bleak House). Got 5.30 train to Moor Park. Walked home. Len Howard, “Birds in Britain” 7.30. Murray on “H. H. Asquith”. Geoffrey Webb, “Blenheim Palace”.
Wednesday 17th September 1952
Dull.
Wrote Alys letter. Phoned Eva. In BHN to get tap and rations. Mrs Hill, fish (and mince). Rest. Walked to get Ryvita. “An English Summer”, RAF.
Thursday 18th September 1952
Showers. Cold.
Did laundry and wrote letter. Lining boxes. Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. I to shops and back with milk. Then BHN parked and to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Made cheese sandwiches and to Classic at 1. “The Red Shoes”, Moira Shearer, Anton Walbrook, Marius Goring – very good. To High Street, Dorlon’s. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions 4.30. To Moor Park then Northwood. BHN up. 8 “Prisoner at the Bar, Richard Pigott”. Parnell, forgery.
Friday 19th September 1952
Very cold. Fine.
Wrote Tail-Waggers Club (sent 5/– on 17th). Tried on frock and hats for Kitty’s. Walked to shops. “Surf”, coffee. Mrs Hill. 4 o’clock to Nellie, and receipt to Mr Campbell for £22.10 of Ella‘s legacy.
Saturday 20th September 1952
Showers.
Shops in BHN. Rest, then dressed and at 6.10 to Finchley Road. Kitty‘s cocktail party. Mr and Mrs Cockayne, Miss Morris, Almoner, Queen Square Hospital. Molly, Leonard. Got 8.26 home. Walked up.
Memo:
15th to Club, to Nellie 2.15 at Bicky.
16th Nellie Moir leaves London.
20th Buchanan party for Kath‘s farewell.
With Lois, Agnes, Doll Hawksley – to Emlyn Williams Bleak House. 15/–.
19th James and Eve’s schools begin.
23rd Bridgeon cut grass.
Sunday 21st September 1952
Sun and showers.
Phoned Kitty re. staying here 23rd and 24th? Phoned for Sissie. After lunch in BHN to Croxley Green. Eva, Teddy and Eve and Dougal came – Mrs Woodhouse class. Back by 4.50. Gardened a bit. Sewed a little. “This Week’s Good Cause” – Lord Vansittart for Polish airmen. George Meaton very good imitation in “Variety Bandbox”.
Monday 22nd September 1952
Fine, cool.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room and put up new curtains. Rat-catcher came. I walked to Boots. Mrs Hill warmed up pie. Gave her 4 eggs. Wrote Alys lettercard and sent £1 to Vansittart for Polish airmen. Nichols came; gave notice; did rose bed, but wouldn’t mow grass. “The Lady From the Sea”, Ibsen, Marie Ney.
Tuesday 23rd September 1952
Fine, warm. 71°F.
Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. To shops – siphon and Bridgeon, 19 Roy Road and High Street. At 2 to Sissie’s, North Finchley (smaller room.). Talk to McIver re. radiator. Home 5. Cut out and made chair cover to match curtains. “Federal Republic”, Stanley Maxted, Edward Ward and Ewan Butler.
Wednesday 24th September 1952
Cool, showers.
Made Kitty‘s bed. To shops and brought Hill up. Then met Kitty 12.38. Mrs Hill did steak and tomatoes, apple and yoghurt. Rest. Tea. “Mrs Dale‘s Diary”. Lit Cozy stove. Baked fish, Gouda cheese, Bath Olivers. “A Tribute to Gertrude Lawrence”, Noël Coward, Kay Hammond.
Thursday 25th September 1952
Bright but cold showers.
Breakfast 8.15. Kipper for Kitty. Took her to station 9.15. Home. Mrs Bearcroft came. Did laundry. To meet Eva (from dentist). She had boiled eggs, and milk (duodenal pains). Talked, in Phil’s hut, and sitting room. At 4.15 took Eva to Moor Park for 4.22 train. Home. Read paper. Picked apples. To bed early. “The Occupying Power”, Norman Barrow.
Friday 26th September 1952
Cold. Some sun.
Window cleaner came. Looked out curtain rings. Mrs Hill, cheese soufflé and cabbage. At 1.45 in BHN to Bank, and on to Rex at 2. At 2.45 “Gone With the Wind”, Clark Gable as Rhett, Vivian Leigh as O’Hara (Scarlett), Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland. Home at 6.55. Peter Ustinov in new act – “In All Directions”.
Saturday 27th September 1952
Cold, showers.
In garden, cut down golden-rod. Washed chair covers. After lunch, walked to get yoghurt (Cullen’s shut so no coffee). Sewed rings on long chintz curtains. Ironed. “Richard of Bordeaux”, Gielgud.
Memo:
25th Mrs Woodhouse‘s class 2.30 (dogs).
22nd Rat man.
23rd Sissie 2.30.
24th Kitty 12.38 and night.
25th Eva to dentist 11.30 and lunch here.
26th Lettercard to Phil for his birthday.
29th Defrosted Fridge.
Sunday 28th September 1952
Cold. Showers in p.m.
Phil‘s 38th birthday. Washed stockings. In garden, spinach. Unpicked grey flannel skirts and planned another one. “The Last Days of the Duke of Wellington”, Deryck Guyler as Duke. New Orleans Dixie.
Monday 29th September 1952
Fine, cold.
In garden. Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. To High Street in BHN and got bacon 8/6 gammon on 5 rations. Mrs Hill cooked it. In car to meet Eva at Mr Devonshire‘s 2.30, took her 8 eggs. Did grey skirt till 7, after defrosting Fridge.
Tuesday 30th September 1952
Cold. Grey.
Most of day still doing grey flannel skirt. Mrs Bearcroft dusted all around. Lettercard to Alys. Kit phoned. To get Kippers and rations at Kingham’s. “Back to Methuselah” 1st Act.
Wednesday 1st October 1952
Showery.
Tied up roses. To High Street in BHN after Mrs Hill came. She made fishcakes and we had sausages. Eva phoned that surgeon at Chesham Hospital said appendicitis. Alys came at 4.45, unpacked car. Alys rang up Eva. Fishcakes. “Passport to Pimlico”.
Thursday 2nd October 1952
Cold. Drizzly.
Phoned Kitty. Mrs Bearcroft. Alys to town for Phil‘s razor and book. She took sandwiches. After lunch, I to get yoghurt and bacon. Mowed grass strip by path outsides and cut edges (pavement and curb). Eva phoned. Alys phoned her re. Mr Strang (surgeon).
Friday 3rd October 1952
Dull.
Window-cleaner “Bob” put curtains in stair-case window. Alys took suitcase with Phil’s rubber boots to station and bought leg of lamb and bacon. Alys to Eva’s after lunch and back at 5.30. Mrs Cattle locked out. To Boots and Express. Alys phoned Phil re. Eva’s appendix.
Saturday 4th October 1952
Fair.
To High Street for bread. Alys later in car for sweet ration. Rest in p.m. Play 4 – 5, “Mr Bringle’s Sea Change”, Gilbert Hackforth-Jones (good). “The Whip”, (Old Drury Lane) spectacle.
Memo:
29th Elfriede Hartmann arrives.
1st Alys comes.
4th Cattle’s away to Sidmouth.
8th 8.20 a.m. Bad accident – 3 trains, Harrow Weald. 112 killed.
Sunday 5th October 1952
Lovely day.
Both sat a good deal on veranda. Alys cleaned car, and made two gingerbread! “Colonel Chabert” play from Balzac story 2.30 – 3.45. “The Case of Governor Eyre”, (Jamaica) Third programme.
Monday 6th October 1952
Dull a.m. Fine p.m.
10.16 to Finchley Road. Met Kitty and Elfriede Hartmann, Stuart’s – coffee. On buses to Bruce Green. To Trafalgar Square. Walked to Westminster. In Abbey. Then on bridge. Lunch Green Lizard 6/8. To Club. Bus, Finchley Road. She walked up Frognal. I home. Alys had Mrs Selden to tea. I on bed. Phil phoned.
Tuesday 7th October 1952
Fine. Cool.
Alys to hairdresser. I did applesauce and spinach. Eva to lunch in CUC. I to post “Yachting Monthly”. Picked apples for Eva, and to store. Steps in Orchard. Bacon and egg. Cozy stove alight. “Back to Methuselah”, 3rd part.
Wednesday 8th October 1952
Fine.
To High Street – bap and kippers and Bank and Achille Serre. Brought Mrs Griffiths home. Brett (Cattle‘s gardener) in (and cut front lawn at 6) 3/6 for 1 hour. I gathering Bramley‘s all day and arranging shelf. News of terrible train crash. “The Years Between”, Daphne du Maurier. “Back to Methuselah”, 4th part.
Thursday 9th October 1952
Dull, cold.
Mrs Bearcroft. Laundry. Alys to shops. Eva came 12.30 with Dougal. Stuffed marrow (Alys). Eva to have perm 2 – 4. I took Dougal for a walk. Eva to tea, and away 4.40. Cozy alight. Sewed and knitted. “Poor Relations”, Compton Mackenzie 8.45. “Horse of the Year Show”, Harringay.
Friday 10th October 1952
Fine.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Bank. To Selfridge’s – Bill and biro. To Fern’s 2lb coffee 10/8. To get wheatgerm. Lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To R.B.A. Anna Airy show. Ernest Blaikley, Lois and Francesca. To 11 Chandos Street. Tea, Morgan’s lecture on old crutch houses in Herefordshire. Supper at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Home by 8.6 to Northwood. Colliver Fisher up. Alistair Cooke on cinerama.
Saturday 11th October 1952
(no weather)
Alys to shops. I got apples. Alys made beef steak pudding; but rancid fat! Bridgeon cut lawn. Alys and I in JLN to Rex at 1.15 to see News of 3 train disaster. “Sea Tiger”. Alys back as Brett, gardener 2 – 4.30. I saw Nöel Coward’s “Red Peppers, Fumed Oak, South of France (Ways and Means)” 2/8. Bus home. “Iris”, Pinero at 9.15.
Memo:
9th Eva to lunch.
16th Taking Elfriede Hartmann Whitehall, Westminster.
10th B.A.A. 4.30 Morgan – Hereford timber minster houses.
Kitty and Elfriede to lunch with Alys. I to town.
Sunday 12th October 1952
Foggy a.m. Fine p.m.
Gathering apples and putting away all a.m. Rest and “Gone to Earth”, Mary Webb 2.30. “He Who Laughs Last” 7.30. We had supper in sitting room. “Mansfield Park”.
Monday 13th October 1952
Rain, wind. Cold.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. Alys to shops and meet Mrs Hill. Rest. Walked to Boots Library. Kit phoned Alys (Elfriede Hartmann home to Hanover). “The Mob”, Galsworthy.
Tuesday 14th October 1952
Fair.
To High Street in BHN. Alys getting Eve‘s room ready. Eva phoned – going into hospital tomorrow. I picked Cox’s all off tree (many pecked by birds). Wrote Jim Archer. Mrs Bearcroft p.m., sitting room. Phil‘s flannels drying. “The Pilgrims’ Dinner”, speeches. Churchill and Ridgway and Sir Campbell Stuart.
Wednesday 15th October 1952
Fine.
Alys to Eva‘s at 11.30. I to High Street in BHN. Wrote Nellie Moir and Lois. Mrs Hill lunch, sausages. Alys back, bringing Eve, Dougal and 3 guinea pigs (Teddy took Eva to Chesham Hospital for appendectomy by Strang).
Thursday 16th October 1952
Fair.
Up at 7. Breakfast 7.45. Took Eve to Ravenscar (for car to school). Laundry. Mrs Bearcroft. Wrote Amy Steel. Got out lambswool boots. Alys to fetch Eve at Rickmansworth at 4. Colne Valley Water men came to mend leak. Clark sharpened mower, shears, £1.0.0. Eva operated on – appendectomy.
Friday 17th October 1952
Fineish.
Eve off to Ravenscar 8.15. Alys to shops. I over bridges with Dougal. At 11 we to Mrs Selden‘s to meet Mrs Solloway. Lots more neighbours to coffee. Mrs Hill, lunch. Alys to Chesham Hospital to see Eva. Eve back, Green Line bus. “In All Directions”, Ustinov at 9.30.
Saturday 18th October 1952
Fair.
Took Dougal to Neve’s – canker and glands (anus), eczema. Teddy came and took Eve home for weekend. Bretts’ Solignum on pink hut. Rest. Kit phoned (lodger arrived) and later – Jim Archer wasn’t well. “Love in Idleness”, Terence Rattigan – Laidman Browne, Googie Withers (Hamlet).
Memo:
15th Eva to Chesham Hospital.
17th Seldon at 11 to meet Mrs Solloway.
16th Eva to be operated on (appendectomy).
Sunday 19th October 1952
Rain all day.
Got grass for guinea pigs and fed them. With Dougal for a walk. Phoned Kit re. Jim. Tinned steak, Alys curried with rice. Rest. Stupid play “Oranges and Lemons”, Philip Wade. Out with Dougal in rain and grass for guinea pigs. Phil phoned. Teddy phoned re. their visit to Eva.
Monday 20th October 1952
Dull, damp.
Took Dougal to Neve. She cleared his ear. Mrs Hill, lunch. Alys met her and fetched her and met Eve from Green Line bus. Tea. To Boots with Dougal, for book for Eva. Eve and I cracked almonds. “The Silver Tassie”, Sean O’Casey.
Tuesday 21st October 1952
Dull.
With Dougal to Bank and shops. Cakes for Eva. Alys to see Eva in Chesham Cottage Hospital and brought Eve back from school. I rest and out with Dougal. Turpin won (points) vs. Angelo of South Africa (British Empire middleweight title).
Wednesday 22nd October 1952
Rain, mostly.
Started off to go to see Jim Archer but pouring, so phoned Hannah postponing. Shops with Akys in JLN. Mrs Hill, rabbit pie. Rest p.m. Eve lost needlework purse; out to try to find it. Eve and I did heaps of almonds off our tree.
Thursday 23rd October 1952
Showery.
Eve put up lost notices re. her purse. Laundry. Mrs Bearcroft. I took Dougal to Neve to be shampooed at 11. Wrote Nellie Moir re. visit postponed. Kippers. Called for Dougal at 1.45. Rest. Alys fetched Eve from school. Eve‘s needlework purse was returned!! Mended Eve‘s satchel.
Friday 24th October 1952
Heavy showers.
Out with Dougal to buy cigarettes for Eva and to get book. Mrs Hill. After lunch in JLN with Alys to Chesham Cottage Hospital to visit Eva. “Judy” came in. Home via Ricky (Rickmansworth) and Eve’s school. Mrs Bearcroft still there with Dougal. Very heavy rain. Alys phoned Phil re. going away with Eva.
Saturday 25th October 1952
Fine (showers).
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Fern’s. Moda jumper. Roches sandwich. To St Bride’s to R.A.I. Grimes’ lecture, lead coffins and alore, also bones. Sam Richardson‘s coffin. To Berkeley Square (Clark) No. 44 and Chandos House. Queen Anne Street (Kemsley). To Northwood by 5.21. Colliver Fisher. “St Helena”, Sherriff and de Casalis.
Memo:
20th Neve with Dougal for ear.
22nd R.A.I. Designer sculpture – Wynn Reeves 5 p.m.
22nd 2.25 to Worplesdon – Jim Archer.
23rd Dougal to be shampooed and fetched.
24th To visit Eva?
25th R.A.I. St Bride’s 2 p.m.
25th Teddy to lunch and call for Eve.
Summertime Ends.
Sunday 26th October 1952
(no weather)
Alys a cold beginning? Took Special Essence since last night. Picked rosebud‘s, cracked almonds in vice. With Dougal. Rest. Read “Naughts and Crosses”. Alys took Special Essence and Number 10.
Monday 27th October 1952
Showers, mild.
Alys’ cold much better. I to High Street in BHN. Alys moved into Phil‘s bedroom. Mrs Hill made cakes. Rest. To meet Eve at bus stop in BHN at 4.10. Made soup à l’oignon. Alys slept in Phil‘s room.
Tuesday 28th October 1952
Windy and showers, mild.
Up at 7. Eve to school. Alys in JLN (which Cook had to start) to fetch Eva from Chesham Hospital. I took Dougal to Neve in BHN (and High Street). Eva straight to bed in Alys room. Alys took Eva’s lunch up. Mrs Hill came, and I took her back at 2.30 and to Bank. Rest. Eva slept 2½ hours! Alys met Eve. “All-Star Bill”, Terry-Thomas, 9.
Wednesday 29th October 1952
Fair, windy.
Took Dougal to be clipped at 10.30. Made his coat. Eva in bed all day. Mrs Hill, mince. Alys to shops. To fetch Dougal at 2 in BHN. Got rations at Kingham’s. Took Dougal out in coat. Ointment rubbed in, and he scratched much less. Teddy came at 8, went at about 10.
Thursday 30th October 1952
Showers.
Laundry. To shops in BHN, High Street. Mrs Bearcroft and Mrs Hill, mince (shepherds pie). Eva in bed but down on sofa in evening and to dinner. I to Rex 3.30 to see “The Sound Barrier”, Terence Rattigan – Ralph Richardson, Ann Todd. Home at 5.20. Wrote Sissie. Sidney Laughton rang up. Dougal queer and slow and not enjoying his outings. Glad to come in! Coats?
Friday 31st October 1952
Fine.
With Dougal, walked to shops. Later BHN to get bacon, 3½lb. Alys to shops too in JLN. I on to Croxley Green (camping ground) to take things for sale – Mrs Woodhouse (Juno). Back for lunch. Eve Home 1.30 half-term hols. Alys and Eve to “The Yes,MoMortarSound Barrier”. Eva tea downstairs. Teddy in until 6.40. Eve tried on page fancy dress. Dougal better.
Saturday 1st November 1952
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft came. To get Bath Chap, Hudson’s and bread, High Street with Dougal in BHN. Eve to Great Missenden by train a.m. Eva down to lunch in kitchen with us! Short rest. Fed guinea pigs by torchlight. “Dolly Reforming Herself”, Henry Arthur Jones, not good.
Memo:
Sound Barrier, Rex.
28th Eva here.
30th Take Dougal to Neve.
29th Dougal to be clipped for eczema.
Eisenhower elected President.
Sunday 2nd November 1952
Fair, showery.
Fed guinea pigs and took Dougal out. Eva up to dinner at 1. Alys cooked large beef joint. Washed Dougal’s white coat (bloody). Teddy came with Eve at 6.50 or 8. Kedgeree. Cleaned room a bit and packed.
Monday 3rd November 1952
Fine, mild.
Eve’s half term holidays. Put BHN on charge. Alys took me to 10.15; to Bicky. To Fern’s. Sent off 2lb coffee and yeast embryo. Wigmore Street. Lunch Bicky – buckling, cheese. To herbal shop. To Phyllis Earle’s. To Curzon Cinema, “Kontiki”, 4.10 3/6 and “Les Inconnus dans la Maison” with Raimu, Simenon. M.M. Club, supper. Slept Bicky. Phoned Phil at 12 Grove Road.
Broadway
Tuesday 4th November 1952
Dull p.m. Rain in west.
To Bank, Baker Street. To West’s (Telemac). Lunch 12, 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Taxi to Paddington 2/3 + 4d. Met Lois and by 1.45 to Moreton-in-Marsh. Arrived 4.5. No Taylor to meet us. Took car from station to Broadway. I to Nellie Moir’s. Lois on to Lucy‘s. Tea. Rest. Dinner, soles, tomatoes, peas. Pears and cream.
Wednesday 5th November 1952
Showers.
Down village with Nellie. Lucy and Lois came up at 12.45. Rabbit stewed and in Pyrex in Wonder Oven. Pears. Rest. Tea. Lettercard to Alys – took to letterbox. Crossword and knitting. Max Beerbohm “Quia Imperfectum”, Goethe and tea.
Thursday 6th November 1952
Dull.
To Collin’s (butchers) with Nellie. Met Miss Goring (gardens) and Miss Emerson. (B1 commandant in war). Tinned meat and salad. Rest. Tea at Mrs Cary-Gilson‘s. Talk of Cyprus and Sir Courtney Manifold, and his 2nd wife, Kyrenian and Governor, Sir Andrew Wright? Home 6.45. Soft roes.
Friday 7th November 1952
Fine, colder.
De Navarro‘s garden. Lunch. Rabbit in aspic (powder jelly) and tongue, baked potatoes and cauliflower. Nellie to bus at 1 to meet Lois and go to “Mandy” at Evesham. I wrote lettercard to Alys. Rest. “Mansfield Park” at 3. To Mrs Cary-Gilson to see her garden. To Lucy‘s to tea. Nellie and Lois came 5. Home 6.30. Crossword. To bed 9.15. Alistair Cooke on Election.
Northwood
Saturday 8th November 1952
Fine. Frost early.
Breakfast 8.15. Car (with Lois) at 9 to Moreton for 9.37 train. Arrived Paddington at 11.30. Taxi to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Out to Lyons, Cavendish Street, self-service lunch 2/7. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Alys phoned. Took 2.13 to Moor Park. Alys met me 2.40. Rests. Kippers. Phil phoned from Sidmouth where he and Eva had gone in JJ, at 9.30 this a.m. to Royal York Hotel.
Memo:
3rd To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Phil home.
November 4th to Broadway, return 8th.
7th or 9th to Sissie.
Sunday 9th November 1952
Fair.
Teddy phoned – Eve staying at Hauff’s all week (Judy‘s mother). To see Sissie in BHN at 2. Back at 4.40. Wrote Nellie en route. Long rest. Reading “Adam Brunskill”. Spaghetti. “The Eustace Diamonds”.
Monday 10th November 1952
Dull, mild.
10.2 Baker Street. Mrs Leyel 10.40. £2.7.9. To Bicky. Beefsteak pudding, tin. To Waterloo (trains Worplesdon). To Phyllis Earle, Dover Street. Paul cut my hair and set it. Jacqueline washed it. 18/–, tip (at desk) 2/6. To Jacqueline 2/– upstairs. Tried for a Telemac. Phoned Ramley (Margaret). Lord Mayor’s speech and Mr Churchill‘s reply. Herbert Agar, “Talking of America”, 7.30.
Tuesday 11th November 1952
Fine, colder.
To George West’s, got reversible macintosh. Bought Prestige oven at Druce‘s £1.17.6. Lunch 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Waterloo, 1.27 Worplesdon. To Ramley. Visit to Jim Archer. Legs watering and blackouts. Gave me a choice of books on shelf. Taa. 4.57 to Waterloo. Arrived 5.40 Bicky. 7.15 to Northwood. Colliver Fisher. Alys had lovely celery soup and haddock.
Wednesday 12th November 1952
Fair.
Three guinea pigs born! I to Sainsbury’s for sausages with Dougal. Planted cuttings of sedum and geraniums. Mrs Hill for lunch. I by 2.13 to town. To Bank 2.50. To Fern’s. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions and quickly away to R.A.I. lecture by Radford on shrines. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions for supper. By 7.50 to Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. “The Barretts of Wimpole Street”.
Thursday 13th November 1952
Fair.
One guinea pig baby died. Mrs Bearcroft came. Laundry, 2 boxes full. Alys 2.10 for shopping. I defrosted Fridge. To shops with Dougal (dried blood 6th). Carrots for guineas. Late lunch, Welsh rarebit. To get yoghurt and meat (dog). Alys home about 5.30. Wrote Kitty and Lois and to post. Celery soup, Bath chap.
Friday 14th November 1952
Fine. Grey later.
Fed guineas early. Washed things. To High Street in BHN with Dougal. Mrs Hill made curry of tinned steaks. I got petrol and oil. Alys out later. Lamb’s tongue lunch. Eve came back here from school. 2nd guinea baby dead. Alys cut up onions, and I made soup à l’oignon.
Saturday 15th November 1952
Fair and rain.
Immersion heater failed. Phoned Overend 9 a.m. To High Street in BHN. Alys took Eve to Miss Fisher for haircut. Mrs Bearcroft came and lit kitchen stove. At 1.40 Alys, Eve and I to Croxley Green to Sale and Fair and film, Mrs Woodhouse, Juno. R.A.F. Alsatian training and auction. Alys home at 3, Eve and I stayed till past 6 and home by bus to Croxley and train Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. Eva and Phil home in JJ from Sidmouth. Supper and bed.
Memo:
12th R.A.I. Jedburgh C. A. Radford.
Woodhouse Fair? 2 p.m.
14th B.A.I Howgrave-Graham nose bands.
10th and 11th Alys had Gwen to stay.
10th 10.40 Leyel, Baker Street 10.40. 2 o’clock Paul at Phyllis Earle.
11th To Ramley, leave Waterloo 1.27.
19th Slept 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 16th November 1952
Snow, then fair and some rain.
Eva, Phil, Eve, Alys and I all at breakfast. At about 11.20 Teddy arrived and drove Eva back in CUC. I drove BHN with Eve and the 4 guinea pigs (1 baby, 1 expectant sow). I came straight home, leaving at 12.30 and arriving at 1. Alys cooked pheasant. Rests. Phil unpacked books and we discarded Penguins.
Monday 17th November 1952
Fair, damp.
Did up books for Phil to return. Phil took JJ to Colliver Fisher. I with Dougal to get meat (none). Alys to shops in JLN. Mrs Bearcroft cleaning up hay from all over. Mrs Hill, fried fishcakes and jam. Rest. Took Dougal out in the evening without coat. “The Liars”, Henry Arthur Jones.
Tuesday 18th November 1952
Dull, cold.
Took Dougal to Neve for ear in BHN, and to Cook’s re. battery. Alys and Phil to town (Joe Smart and Bible with Apocrypha for James’ confirmation). Mrs Hill, soused herrings and made “puppy” (beef and bacon roll). Cut her finger. I took her home in BHN. Alys and Phil back 5.45. Sir Arthur Grimble 9.20 – “Tales from the Pacific Islands”.
Wednesday 19th November 1952
Cold, drizzly.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 10.17 train. Lois came and we went to Royal Society of Portrait Painters – Ernest and Francesca Blaikley there. Lois and I self-service lunch Swan & Edgar 2/6. Home and rest at 119 Bickenhall Mansions (badgers – “Woman’s Hour”). Cleaned bedroom floor mats. Supper. “The Great Gatsby”, Scotts Fitzgerald. “The Experience of Age” – veterans Russell Lawrence 80, Laurence Housman 87, Gilbert Murray 86, Walter de la Mare 79.
Phil at 119 Bickenhall Mansions 20th – 21st.
Thursday 20th November 1952
Cold. Fair.
Cleaned up, and made bed for Phil. Out for bread and milk. After lunch to Bank and shop re. cabinet for James. Home to Northwood by 4 p.m. (Phil in town). New immersion heater put in (Overend and plumber). Rest. Supper. “Just the Job – The Javelin Story”. “The Oxford Union, A Debate” – debate on bi-partisanship – Lady Violet Bonham Carter, Kingsley Martin, John Stewart, Bryan Magee and Raghavan lyer.
Friday 21st November 1952
Cold, damp.
Alys to shops a.m. I walked to get meat – Dougal, but none. Mrs Hill, lunch. Took her at 2.15 to Northwood Hills, got cyclamen 6/–. Posted Bible to James from Phil and eggboxes. Got dog meat (Tuck’s). Rest. Phil home 7.40 in JJ.
Saturday 22nd November 1952
Fine.
Alys to shops. I took Dougal to Neve (ear worrying him). Cold mutton and salad. Eve came as Eva to Sherborne for James’ confirmation. Phil took her to 3.51 Moor Park; Teddy on it. Dr and Mrs Hinds Howell to tea. Alys made sandwiches -scrambled eggs. Lent him play. “Birds as Individuals”, Len Howard. “The Pelican,” H. M. Harwood. Tennyson Jesse.
Memo:
18th Phil to see Smart.
19th Private view – Portrait Painters 11 a.m.
20th Phil to 119 Bickenhall Mansions, sleep. “The Love of Four Colonels”, Jean Middleditch.
Phil at 119 Bickenhall Mansions 24th and 25th.
Sunday 23rd November 1952
Fair, some rain. Frost in evening.
Query brain or middle ear trouble – Dougal. Alys and Phil out in JJ, Chesham. I walk with Dougal. Then wood in and lit Cozy stove. Wrote Thatcher with Alys’ and my cheques £4.4.0 for Club; and B.A.A. secretary, Leslie with Bank Order. Post with Dougal. Phil wrote letters and to post later, and phoned Paul and Wiz.
Monday 24th November 1952
Fine. Frosty.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room. Phil to Harrow and brought Jean back for coffee (then to town. Phil at 119 Bickenhall Mansions for night). Alys to have hair done – Miss Fishers. Cold lunch (no Mrs Hill). In BHN to High Street and petrol. Read in sitting room “A Time to Kill”. Alys slept upstairs. Kippers supper. “Melloney Holtspur” by Masefield.
Tuesday 25th November 1952
Frost and fine all day.
Window cleaner. Alys to shops in car. I took Dougal walk, and then in BHN. Got meat (borrowed from Alys) and drove about, put it outside and lamp in. Mrs Hill, sausages. Alys to town for puppets (Eve). Back to tea. I made mousses. Brett came. Grilled mackerel and cauliflower gratin. Phil back at 7.30, had typhoid shot and vaccination, smallpox in arm from Dr Baker.
Wednesday 26th November 1952
Cold.
Took Dougal to be shampooed 10.30. In BHN, got besom and paraffin (2/9). Phil in bed all day, after inoculations, stiff. Walked to call for Dougal at 2.15. Phone out of order. Snow in evening. Dougal excited by it.
Phil at 119 Bickenhall Mansions 29th – 30th.
Thursday 27th November 1952
Drizzly and rain.
Snow melted. To Dr Baker for ear syringing 9.10 in BHN. Got vegetables. Talked to Phil about Jean Middleditch. Alys took Mrs Hill and me to station. To Bicky about 3. To Selfridge’s, Striker’s and Ryman‘s. Bath towel 24/6 at Tuckey’s. To School of Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street but wrong date so back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Supper. Washed up.
Friday 28th November 1952
Fine.
Made up bed for Phil. To shops. Kitty came 11.15, gave her coffee. Photographs and talk till nearly 1. Lunch. Amy’s ham loaf, yoghurt, Ribena, apple sauce, wheatgerm. Kit went 2.15. Cleaned. “Eustace Diamonds”, 3. To Richoux, peppermints 2/6, my watch to Harrison. Selfridge’s – got puppets 7/6 and biro 17/6. 73 to Goodge Street. School of Tropical Medicine 5.30. U.F.A.W. Phyllis Croft, electrical research, Fougasse machine. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions – supper at 7.45. Northwood by 9. Alys and Phil just back from Wiz. Antifreeze in JJ.
Saturday 29th November 1952
Cold.
Phil to London in JJ. Alys to shops in JLN. I walked with Dougal to Boots. Alys and I lunch, grilled soles. Rest. Bacon and sausages and mushrooms. “Rutherford and Son”, Githa Sowerby (not good).
Memo:
26th 10.30 Neve.
Ring Kitty p.m., U.C.H 5.15, Dr Baker 9.30.
28th Tropical Medicine 5.40 U.F.A.W. Keppel Street.
Fireside stove arrive from Devon. “Eustace Diamonds” 3.
Sunday 30th November 1952
Fine. Frosty.
Out in BHN to Ricky and back by Watford. Phil home in JJ at 12. Alys roasted beef. I short walk with Phil at 3. At 3 came Paul Davis. Wrote Nellie Moir and to Post Office. Tea in dining room – supper kitchen – cold chicken, strawberries and ice cream. At 8.30 Mr and Mrs Cattle and Bernice and Derek to coffee. Paul left at 10.30.
Monday 1st December 1952
Fine. Frosty.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting room. Walked to Boots with Dougal. Alys to town in JLN (and Sissie’s). Phil to Eva‘s (he took Dougal home and lots of Penguins) and out to lunch and tea. Mrs Hill here, cold bacon. I took her back in BHN and took Dougal’s coat to Achille Serre. Fillets and cold beef.
Tuesday 2nd December 1952
Fine. Frosty.
Washed napkins and nightie. Phil at 9 to Dr Baker’s – vaccinations be checked upon. Alys and Phil to take dinghy engine (outboard) to Hampton. I met Mrs Hill (walked), curry and the prize apples baked. Phil and I in JJ to have wheel changed, Cook’s, and drove around Stanway and Watford. Ironed things. After tea, short walk in dark with Phil. Scrambled eggs, mushrooms and cold bacon.
Wednesday 3rd December 1952
Fair.
Phil to Wiz’s “factory” in JJ. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (no hot water all day!) To M.M. Club at 1. Lunch 3/–, tip 6d. To Selfridge’s. Had ham sent to Eva 42/6. To Ryman‘s – got a drawer set 4f/C size 44/11 for James. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rest. To R.A.I. 5 lecture. Lois back with me to supper (sandwiches). “The Single Woman”, Margery Fry.
3rd and 4th Bicky – still no hot water.
Thursday 4th December 1952
Dull, milder.
To bank (National Provincial). To Staines – bought 10 gallons paraffin container. 391 to Army & Navy. To Woolworth’s, Oxford Street. To Selfridge’s – ordered cone lamp (Wiz). To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch. Made bed and tidied. 3.49 to Northwood. Taxi up. Phil and Alys had been to Reading for running in JJ. Phil had 2nd typhoid inoculation and to bed at 5 o’clock. Supper in bed.
Friday 5th December 1952
Frost hard. Fine.
Phil in bed all day. Alys to shops. I walked to Boots. Mrs Hill, pheasant for Phil. Cheese soufflé for us. Alys to Eva’s in JJ, stayed lunch. I to Overend to get flex for charging BHN. 9 yards at 3/9. Martin came at 5 and fixed it and BHN on charge by lilac bush! (£1.14.0, total 31/– + 33/–, Martin’s time. Tongue, apple pie.
Saturday 6th December 1952
Fog, frost, watery sun.
BHN started and I to High Street after getting frost off windows (deep and hard). Alys and Phil to Watford and around in JJ. Barbara to tea and supper from Watford Maternity Hospital. Cutlets and tomatoes grilled, sprouts. Tin strawberries and ice cream and cream. “Hay Fever”, Nöel Coward, Athene Seyler.
Memo:
3rd R.A.I. Chichester Relief, Zarnecki
6th Horniman Museum, Lewisham 3.30 the Mildenhall Treasure.
6th Barbara to tea.
9th Cambridge won rugger match 5-4.
Phil at 119 Bickenhall Mansions 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th.
Sunday 7th December 1952
Very foggy, cold.
We all drove over to Eva‘s in JJ (took chest of drawers for James) and push-basket for Eva‘s shopping. Took Dougal out. Eve with guinea pigs. Teddy plastic paints on walls. Alys, Phil and I lunched at Little Abbey Hotel 5/ –. Ironed things. Read old Doctor Embleton‘s papers. Cod steaks, tongue, guinea fowl, apple pie supper.
Monday 8th December 1952
Fog. Clear. Fog again.
JLN on charge. Still very foggy till 12. Alys and Phil to fetch JJ (after Phil had taken it to Colliver Fisher at 9). I to Boots, and bought coconut and hemp seed. Mrs Hill cooked fowl which Phil bought 15/–. Phil to town in JJ to Ernest Vernor Miles and tailor‘s and slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Man all day putting new cistern in. “Prunella”, Laurence Housman and Barker.
Tuesday 9th December 1952
Cooler and milder.
Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. Alys to shops and meet Eva at dentist‘s. Eva to lunch (chicken, celery and rice). Picked spinach for guinea fowl. Eva away at 3.40 or so. (Phil and Jean, Varsity match). Walked to delicatessen shop for vol-au-vent but none. Bacon and eggs (Wonder Oven), tartlets. Frank Gillard “Journey From Bordeaux”, Basque. Finished “Jacky”. BHN on charge 2 hours.
Wednesday 10th December 1952
Showers, dull.
Wrote Marjorie Leggett. Mrs Hill did rabbit. I took her home, and Alys to station in BHN. Then home and walked to get 3.43 to town. To British Academy 5 with Alys. Mr Crawford report on Expedition to Middle Nile. Mrs Holden there and Sir Mortimer Wheeler. To M.M. Club, dinner 4/– each. Home by 9, Colliver Fisher.
Thursday 11th December 1952
Very fine a.m. Duller p.m.
Phil phoned me asking to stay at 11th and 12th. Washed things. Laundry. Mrs Bearcroft. Alys to shops. Mrs Hill, cheese pudding; crunchy. I walked to Post Office – Postal Order 20/– for Doris and air-letters, stamps. Knitted and began lengthening toes of bought socks.
Friday 12th December 1952
Fine a.m. Colder.
Wrote Doris Freyer with Postal Order £1.0.0. In BHN to get petrol. Mrs Hill, baked fish. Alys took me to 2.27. To Oxford Circus; walked to Fern’s, coffee. To Post Office, sent cards to Amy and Mandy. Soho Street. To 11 Chandos Street. Tea 4.30. Lecture Royal babies’ tombs. Supper with Laurie at 7. Back to Northwood by 8.45. Colliver Fisher up. “The Abbey Theatre, Dublin”. Phil back 11.10.
Saturday 13th December 1952
(no weather)
Alys to shops. I made a fruit salad. Phil drove me to Hudson‘s 12.50 for Gorgonzola. Phoned Sissie. Mince, broad beans. I to delicatessen (got cream) and Anchor’s. Tea. Rest. Slept. Pigeon from Mrs Shan. Phil to Baker’s, gramophone dance 8.30. “The Return of the Soldier”, Rebecca West, John van Druten.
Memo:
9th and 10th Phil Bicky – England place names U.C.H. 1.15.
12th B.A.A. Mrs Turner, Royal baby tombs in Abbey.
10th 5 p.m. Burlington Gardens W.1 British Academy, expedition Middle Nile, O. G. S. Crawford.
13th Phil to Baker’s, 8.30 dancing.
15th A.A. roads very dangerous.
Sunday 14th December 1952
Cold, fine, sunny.
Sissie – message to say not to go today or tomorrow. Phil very late to breakfast. He and Alys walked to Wolsey Road. I wrote Nellie Moir. Took it to post and letter from Phil to Dudley Baker. Darned rug; and made chocolate mousse. Phil to tea at Ernest Vernor Miles’ and Alys with him in car, and back by train. Phil back at 6.45. Didn’t want supper. Soup and to bed at 8.
Monday 15th December 1952
Snow and sun.
Phil and Alys to town in JJ. I walked to get fillets of plaice 6/2, and to Bank, and Mrs Hill. Sausages at Sainsbury’s for lunch. Swept snow off paths, and salted them. Phil got tickets and money (French, Greek drachmas, letters of credit) and Remington razor for C. Price Thomas. They back at 7. “The First Mrs Fraser”, St. John Ervine. Kitty phoned.
Tuesday 16th December 1952
Snow, rain, thaw.
Phil wrote letters, and did up spoon parcels. Alys and Phil to Castle‘s wine shop and fetch suitcase from Bearcroft. Mrs Bearcroft here, Mrs Hill too. At 1.40 Phil drove BHN to car park. We all to Baker Street. I to Army & Navy for coat; Taxi to Baker Street. 4.43 home. Alysto get razor and suitcase. Phil to tailor for smoking coat. All home by teatime. Phil packed with Alys till 7.30. Eggs, fish and fruit salad.
Wednesday 17th December 1952
Gales, rain.
Alys and Phil in a Hazel car at 11 to Victoria with suitcases. I lunch late (BHN on charge 2 hours). To Mrs Bearcroft with note, key and £1.0.3. Home, then to Club in Cavendish Square. (Posted registered parcels, 3). Alys there at 5.30. Both to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Phil in about 7 and then to Bank re. money. I to Northwood, 8.15 arrived and Colliver Fisher up. Supper and laundry for tomorrow.
18th Alys and Phil at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 18th December 1952
Cold, find, windy.
Up at 6 a.m. 8.15 to Baker Street, Bus to Victoria. Alys and Phil there from Bicky at 9.30. Phil away 10 a.m. (boat train for Dover – Calais). Alys and I to Bicky. Made bed. Phoned Mrs Hill. 12.6 Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. Lunch, mince and peas. Put lamp in my car. Alys in JLN took Mrs Hill home. Rest. Haddock from yesterday. Read Dennis Laughton‘s paper on voyage (Colin Archer’s boat).
Friday 19th December 1952
Milder, damp.
Alys to meet Eva at Rickmansworth. Came back with James, who stayed lunch. In BHN for rations, and bread, met Mrs Hill. Curry lunch. Alys drove James and me in JLN to Great Missenden. Eve in bed. Eva told us of Teddy‘s posting to Far East! Back at 5. Sardines and cheese in sitting room.
Saturday 20th December 1952
Mild, rainy.
Alys to shops and got cards. I walked down at 12.25 for bread and ice cream and butcher. Alys cooked mince (raw) in pressure cooker 15 minutes. I wrote Dennis Laughton re. Colin Archer’s boat. Alys to shops again p.m. I slept on bed. “Henry of Navarre”, Howard Marion-Crawford, William Devereaux, Phyllis Neilson-Terry, aged 85, spoke.
Memo:
17th Hazel at 11 for Victoria.
18th Phil leaves Victoria 10.
19th Sails from Marseille for Cyprus in a week.
23rd Moved into diningroom.
Sunday 21st December 1952
Mild. Very fine a.m.
Still no news from Phil (though 2 posts came). Alys cooked stewing steak in Prestige, and later bacon joint. Both of us doing Christmas cards. To Post Office 3.35, Sissie’s parcel, and Christmas cards. Alys in JLN took hers by 4 o’clock. Alys phoned gardener. Kippers in sitting room. Alys phoned Eva (no voice). Rather stupid play, “Mist Over The Mistletoe”, “Eustace Diamonds”.
Monday 22nd December 1952
Mild, rainy.
A card from Phil, Folkestone.! Mrs McIver phoned for Sissie. Alys to London in JLN with sherry for Banker and for Ernest Vernor Miles (3 wines, sherry, claret). I get veal joint at butchers, and corner bacon, Hudson‘s and bread. Mrs Bearcroft in p.m., cleaned Alys’ room. Wrote Minnie. Alys back 4.15. BHN on charge 3 hours. “The Firstborn”, Christopher Fry.
Tuesday 23rd December 1952
Very mild, fine till evening.
Phoned Sissie. Brett came – BHN wouldn’t start. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Took chair-cover to Burtol’s. Lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Buses to Vauxhall Bridge. To Cozy stove, got part 10/–. Back via Lambeth Bridge. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Fern’s on bus. In to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rested. Teddy at 6.15. To Chinese Restaurant, 7.30 dinner. Tube to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Then 9.6 to Northwood. Teddy walked up with me (and went back to meet children from theatre).
Wednesday 24th December 1952
Fair, mild.
Mrs Bearcroft in a.m. Alys to shops and fetched turkey from Jones. Mrs Hill stuffed it. I to get sweets. James to lunch and took turkey back with him. Rest. Supper and sat in dining room. Alys made bread sauce. “The Lifemanship Correspondence College”, Stephen Potter. “In All Directions”, Peter Ustinov and Peter Jones.
(James alone to midnight Communion Service – none of the family knowing!)
Thursday 25th December 1952
Perfect day. Sunny a.m. Fair evening.
Alys drove us in JLN over to Great Missenden. She went back for bread sauce. Eva roasted the turkey. Dinner and crackers, then presents and the Queen’s talk at 3.3. Then (about 3.50) we drove home. I rested and read “The Colditz Story”, P. R. Reid. “Christmas Revel” with good stars. “The Robin”, Grigson.
Friday 26th December 1952
Dull, damp.
Alys cooked Baden’s fowl. I posted airmail letter to Phil. Alys in JJ to Chorleywood. Rest 3 – 4, stupid comedy till 5. Cold bacon, rhubarb. Alys to Cattles 8 – 10. Sewed pink woolly. Gilbert Harding, “But Once a Year” (cigar bands from “Sing High”, Osbert Sitwell), “20 Questions”. “Do You Believe in Ghosts?”
Saturday 27th December 1952
Very foggy.
Alys out in JLN for bread and she cabled to Phil at Limassol. James came with Alys’ bag. Stayed lunch. At 2 I to Kitty’s and walked up to 53. Tea with Kit and Kath and photographs. 5.9 back, Colliver Fisher up. Alys received a cable – Limassol arrived safely all well Philip”. Tongue supper. “Mr Gillie”, Bridie.
Memo:
Cable 1/3 a word (8/6 Alys to Phil).
24th Laundry.
25th To Berry’s 1 o’clock.
24th James to lunch and 27th.
27th Phil arrives Limassol.
27th Tea (4) at Kitty’s.
Airmail letter to Nicosia, Poste Restante 26th.
Sunday 28th December 1952
Damp, misty.
Late breakfast. Cold chicken and salad. Alys to letterbox with airmail to Phil. I to Post Office with lettercard to Sissie. Rest. Sleep. Dried haddock. “Eustace Diamonds”.
Monday 29th December 1952
Damp. One minute of sun.
Alys to shops. Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room. In BHN to High Street and round. Yoghurt. Mrs Hill, mince. Picked a red rose. Rest in p.m., after garden and compost. Alys cleaned Phil‘s car. (Eva and Eve in town.) Made spectacle case of Princeton leather. “The Sweet Birds Sang”, not very good play.
Tuesday 30th December 1952
Fog, cold.
Alys to shops. She posted on letters sent here to Phil. I oiled Phil‘s lathe. Alys tidied the room. Wrote Lois with cards of Dutch dress. Wrote M.M. Club resigning. Wrote Farthing for admission (Tanner). To Boots. Brett 2 – 4, 7/–. Read papers in dining room. Alys upstairs.
Wednesday 31st December 1952
(no weather)
To town. Paid electricity bill. To Cozy stove place and got parts for A10 (Berry’s)
Memo:
30th Wrote Lois with cards of old Dutch lady back and front view.
1st Sissie 11.30.
Eve quarantine mumps till January 6th.
Phil at Hotel Metropole, Limassol, Cyprus December 27th, 28th, 29th (till 30th). Post Restante Nicosia.
The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate 