In 1953, Kate is 74 years old and Alys is 69 years old. Eva is 44 years old and Philip is 40 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son). James is 15 years old (Eva and Teddy’s son) and Eve (Eva and Teddy’s’ daughter (my mother)) is 13 years old.
This Diary Belongs to:
Katharine Faraday Boyd
12 Grove Road
Northwood
Middlesex
And/or
119 Bickenhall Mansions
Baker Street
W.1.
Telephone No:
Northwood 1356
Welbeck 6522
Thursday 1st January 1953
Sleet and cold rain.
Awake most of night with pains. Alys in bed all day with pains. Ate only toast in evening. Mrs Bearcroft in a.m. I not out. Wrote Amy Steel and Motor License with cheque £10. Slept in armchair in p.m. Read “Venture to the Interior”, van der Post. “The Duchess at Sunset” by Proust.
Friday 2nd January 1953
Fine a.m. Cold.
Alys better and up. Letter and postcard from Phil (Piraeus). Laundry, (but didn’t hear bell). To Food Office, and met Mrs Hill. Kitty appeared and stayed lunch. Took her to 2.6 train. Rest, sleep. Read. Wrote Sissie. Got petrol 2 gallons and air in BHN.
Saturday 3rd January 1953
Some snow.
Letter from Phil from Hotel Metropole, Limassol. I took Brett in BHN at 10.30 to Great Missenden. Snowing on way. He pruned the fruit trees. I took Cozy stove parts. Back at 1.5 (left at 12.30). Lunch (mince). Took Alys to 2.3 train.. She to stay night with Kitty. Rested on armchairs. Wash things. “Sherlock Holmes – The Strange and Apocryphal Case of Miss Alice Faulkner”.
Memo:
1st Sissie.
7th and 8th – 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 4th January 1953
Fair, cool.
Ironed napkins and clothes. In BHN to meet Als (from Kitty’s) at 2.51. Good little play, “Kangaroos at Christmas” by David Scott Daniell 3 – 4. “Bomber’s Moon”, 7.30 – 8.30, also good, by Wing-Commander E.W. Anderson. Later George Hudson “Railway King”. Duke of Wellington and school fire.
Monday 5th January 1953
Fine, frosty.
Alys to Wiz’s “factory”. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. Walked to shops with George (scotty)’s mistress. Heard of his operation. Walked up with Mrs Hill – curried mince. Rest. Began black welt. “The Troubled Air” by R. Byrnes and Monica Mugan from novel by Irwin Shaw (Communism in USA).
Tuesday 6th January 1953
4 inches snow in night. Slow thaw.
Card of Dome Hotel from Phil. I cleared snow with spade and broom. Alys walked and bus to Northwood Hills. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned about house. Boiled cod in salt water. I walked to Boots, also got bread. Rest. Alys cooking for children next 2 days. Icy roads.
Wednesday 7th January 1953
Fair, dry, cold.
Put meths in radiator of BHN. Snow. Alys took me to station 10.5. Curried eggs at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Selfridge’s, Pemberley’s, Swan & Edgar for panties. To Dutch pictures at Burlington House about 3. To Sir Gyles Isham‘s lecture on Lamport Hall pictures Society of Antiquarians 5 – 6. Bus to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Tunny fish supper. “The Constant Wife”, Somerset Maugham.
Thursday 8th January 1953
Dull.
Mrs Bearcroft at 10.15. Stayed till 4.15. Brought sandwiches. I out to Shearn’s and Fern’s; back and lunch about 2. Put up clean net curtains, both rooms with Mrs Bearcroft. She washed all paint. At 4.30 I to Continental Ciné – Montmartre and La Kermesse héroïque (1616), Françoise Rosay. Home at 8 for “Suspense”, McCormac escape from Japanese.
Friday 9th January 1953
Dull.
At 10.30 Onsite men came and washed carpet. Took away rugs and cushions and saddle bags to clean. At 12 I to get wool and to Dorlon’s. Took 1lb sugar, got chocolates. Back and buckling at 1:15. Porter up at 2 and cleaned windows 7/6. To 11 Chandos Street. Mr Farthing lectured on disappearing houses. Lois there. To Northwood 6.20. Walked up. Chicken casserole. Bernard Shaw’s “The Millionairess”.
Saturday 10th January 1953
(no weather)
Alys to shops. I wrote cheque. I to Boots in p.m. Also bought brassière at Ryder‘s sale. Posted cheque £12.10.0 for car tax. Left 10/6 at Dr Baker with his account. Slept in p.m. “Bonaventure”, Charlotte Hastings. Convent and artist sentenced to be hanged.
Memo:
7th R.A.I. 5 pm Lamport (Eve and James with Alys).
8th Mrs Bearcroft, Bicky.
9th B.A.A. Farthing 4.30 – demolition of historic buildings post war.
9th Onsite 11.
Sunday 11th January 1953
Dull. Not very cold.
Wrote Jim Archer re. going on 22nd. Sent cheque to P.D.S.A. and for book. Alys sore throat. Rest on bed and finished “The Heart of the Matter”. Did it up to send to June Bishop. Arnhem man without hands (“Living Without Hands”) spoke. Barbara phoned.
Monday 12th January 1953
Fair, mildish.
A letter from Phil. Alys still sore throat but to hairdressers (wrong day). She met me (BHN) and we to Cook’s (JLN left there for greasing). Mrs Hill, curry. Laundry in pink hut. Very damp. Rests. “The Seagull”, Chekhov.
Tuesday 13th January 1953
Dull. Raw.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. JLN was brought back by man; Alys to shops in it. Then I took Alys to station (she to 119 Bickenhall Mansions, and at 2.30 to meet Kitty at St Thomas’ Hospital for thumb operation). I washed clothes, and dried them by Cozy stove. Knitted. “Storm Centre”, Orkney hurricane. “The Shadow of Cain”, Edith Sitwell from Albert Hall.
Wednesday 14th January 1953
Foggy, raw.
Ironed things. When Mrs Hill came, I to get sprouts and potatoes. Cheese pudding. Gasman at 2 to do Alys’ bedroom fire (deaf man). Alys home at 4. Put welt on black cardigan (finished knitting it). “Journey to Earth”, Flora Robson as nun who came out.
Thursday 15th January 1953
Dull, drizzly.
Letters from Jim and Frank Archer (Jim‘s dictated). Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. Alys to High Street. I walked to post (registered). Dennis Laughton‘s cruise paper to Jim. Baked haddock. Sewed and tidied work cases (K.H.D’s.). Tongue and sprouts and celery mixed, chopped. “Suspense” 8, escape in train over Czech border 1951 Prague to Asch.
Friday 16th January 1953
Fair, mild.
James very sore throat and 101°F. Alys phoned and out to hairdresser. Mrs Hill, tinned sausages and leeks. Alys in JJ to Eva‘s, taking food. Brett here, pruning apple trees. Phoned Kitty (and Barbara) would come. Teddy still in bed with lumbago. Eve better. Dr Aralis going daily. “The Waltz of the Toreadors”, by Jean Anouilh.
Saturday 17th January 1953
Dull, mild.
To Kitty’s at 12, as she in bed with thumb hurting. Got our lunch (her’s in bed, cold chicken and bacon). Rest in p.m. Tea at 4.30. Scrambled eggs at 7. Home by 8.26 from Finchley Road (Alys at Eva‘s all p.m., to help). “The Feast”, M. Kennedy. James still temperature and sore throat. Teddy still in bed.
Memo:
13th Alys with Kitty to St Thomas’ for thumb cyst operation. Slept at Frognal.
17th To Kitty’s 12.
20th Dwight Eisenhower inaugurated as president U.S.A.
119 Bickenhall Mansions 21st night.
Sunday 18th January 1953
Lovely day.
Put BHN on charge 11 a.m. Alys phoned Eva. James still 99°F and some pains. Teddy still in bed all day. (Kitty had Handy in a.m. and Barbara p.m.). Alys boiled corner bacon (hot for lunch with peas and carrots and parsley sauce). Rest. “The Gift”, poetry, Webber. 7.30 “The Innocent Bride”, Anne Meredith.
Monday 19th January 1953
Foggy, cold. Sun in p.m.
Letter from Phil. Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. Alys to Cook’s re. JLN, and then to Eva‘s (taking sandwiches). In BHN to shops and met Mrs Hill, sausages. Walked to Post Office, registered Dennis Laughton‘s “Velsia” back to him. Alys back at 4.15 (having met Eve, and seen her to train, Rickmansworth). “Men at Work”, strike over Jackson.
Tuesday 20th January 1953
Lovely day.
Wrote Jim re. Velsia, Norge II and Lucy. Alys got mince and cooked in pressure cooker. I to Post Office. Brett came, dug 2 – 4 and clipped bush. At 5, listened to inauguration ceremony and speech of Eisenhower till 6.
Wednesday 21st January 1953
Fair.
Alys took me to 9.48 train. To Bank and 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Then 11 at Phyllis Earle. Paul did hair (Jacqueline washed it) 18/– +2/– tip at desk. Lyons self-service, Dover Street 12.15 – 45, 1/4½ . To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Sewed rings on and took down curtains. 5 – 6 Stuart Piggott (R.A.I.) Scottish prehistory. Mr Holden. Jack Willis. Supper,119 Bickenhall Mansions. To 46 Green Lane, 8.30 Dr Charles Shain on Humour, and Professor Newall spoke.
22nd Alys and Lucy at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 22nd January 1953
Fair.
Teddy allowed back to work. BHN on charge 3 hours. Alys had Mrs Hill sleeping at 12 Grove Road. Onsite brought saddlebag and cushions. Phoned Terry, but no use for Ewbank’s. 12.6 to Northwood. Lunch, mince with Alys. She too 119 Bickenhall Mansions and meet Lucy from Broadway. Took her in BHN and then polished back bumper and put on charge. Rose leaves on bonfire. Alys phoned, staying 119 Bickenhall Mansions with Lucy (no seat for next coach). Apple boiled over on Wonder Oven. “Suspense”, Walter Gibson on boat and jungle 1942.
Friday 23rd January 1953
Fair.
Took BHN to meet Mrs Hill and got pork chops at Sainsbury’s 3/8. Then to Moor Park to meet Alys, who on way to Great Missenden. Took eggs and emergency cards. Lunch and Mrs Bearcroft in p.m. Alys home at 4.30, sneezing a lot.
Saturday 24th January 1953
Dull. Very cold.
To London by 12 (both walking to station). Alys to Fern’s; I to get bread and rations. Lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Bus to Oxford Circus. 12 bus to Lordship Lane by Rye Lane, 9d each. Horniman Museum (Forest Hill South East). G.R.G. Worcester on Cyprus, ancient and modern with drawings and slides. Very good. Dinner at Club 4/– each. Back to Northwood. “King Monmouth”.
Memo:
21st 11 a.m. Phyllis Earle (Paul).
21st R.A.I. Piggott.
8.30 British American Association 46 Green Lane, Allied Circle.
24th Horniman, Cyprus 3.30.
22nd Meet Lucy 3.30 Victoria Coach Station.
28th 119 Bickenhall Mansions, night.
Sunday 25th January 1953
Fine.
Wrote to Jackson of Royal Bucks Laundry. Alys wrote to Phil. Rest and sleep in p.m. Alys phone talks with Eva and Kitty. Bad play 7.30 “Hear No Evil”. End of “Eustace Diamonds”.
Monday 26th January 1953
Fair, fine, cold.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. I to Boots. Bought “Traveller’’s Prelude”. Alys to High Street. Mrs Hill, pork chops. Alysto visit Sissie at Moss Hall Crescent 2 – 4. Back 4.30. I crossword in sitting room. We talked by firelight. After supper, Paul Davis phoned – flu. “Old People and the Things That Pass”, Louis Couperus (Dutch).
Tuesday 27th January 1953
Dull, milder.
Cable from Phil, Paphos.. Mrs Bearcroft, both sitting rooms and surfaces. Alys to Eva‘s (first was going to town for curtain stuff). Eva phoned, had got answer from Air Ministry. Apparently no reprieve from Far East. I got cretonne from loft and planned cover for armchair. Alys home 4.45. At 8 Colin Wills “Report on Kenya”, Mau Mau, voices of men and women settlers.
Wednesday 28th January 1953
Very mild.
James sick and Eva phoned. So Eva and James to lunch, Mrs Hill, chicken. I too 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 3 train. Walked to Leicester Square to find out re. cinemas for James tomorrow. Taxi from Piccadilly Circus to Victoria and Albert Museum by 6.15 (4/–). Lecture on Royal portraits, stamp and coin 1953 and Roman Emperor by Charles Mitchell till 7.40. 74 home and slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
28th and 29th James at 12 Grove Road.
MV Princess Victoria foundered in gale – 128 drowned).
Thursday 29th January 1953
Dull and mild.
Took rug (dark green, travelling) to Burtol’s with coupon. To Handy’s shop. Bought Trollops. To Marks & Spencer, got skirt. Paid bill Selfridge’s £6 and £4 notes on cheque. Lunch (pork pie from Lyon’s 11d) at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Back to Northwood 4.20. James to tea at Great Missenden and here to supper. Alys met him Moor Park. 8.30 “Suspense”, French fighter pilot story.
Friday 30th January 1953
Dull and mild.
Alys with James to town and News Theatre (James back to Sherborne). I met Mrs Hill in BHN and posted James’ coat and books and paintbox. Fish fillets. Knitted grey strip for cardigan and altered it’s collar. Finished chair cover patching. Alistair Cooke on 33 and Roosevelt’s inauguration and the Depression in U.S.A.
Saturday 31st January 1953
Gales, hail at 8. Sun.
Alys to shops. I dusted. Began mending little (mother’s) armchair cover, black and white and sewed till 7. To get eggs at Sainsbury’s and potatoes at 2.30. Alys washed James‘s vest and pants. “The Trouble-Makers” by George Bellak, American students, Torin’s murder.
Memo:
Victoria and Albert Museum 28th 6.15 Royal portraits, Mitchell.
27th James to school.
26th Alys to Sissie. Phil at Paphos. Postcard Famagusta.
Terrible floods broke sea wall – East coast and in Holland (deaths over 600). Canvey Island. 307 killed, 17 U.S.A. killed. 1,000 cattle lost. Over 1300 – 6th.
Sunday 1st February 1953
Fine. Cold and very windy.
Tidied. Sewed chair cover. Sausages and cauliflower. Took Alys’ letter to post. Met Derek with chum, and Mr Hunt with Wicker and little old white dog “96”. Mink and Joyce Goldrich at 6.30. Ham and slices with sausages and olives. Rhubarb and “cream”.
Monday 2nd February 1953
Fine. Cold. Some hail.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned spare room. I sewed chair cover all a.m., and some p.m. Alys to shops. Mrs Hill didn’t come, to Alys’ disappointment. I to get evening papers for flood news at 5. “Cakes and Ale”, Somerset Maugham. Michael Horden at Ashenden. Joyce Barbour as Rosie.
Tuesday 3rd February 1953
Cold, dull.
Alys took me to 10.17 train. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Then on to Victoria Coach Station. Met Lucy from Hythe (Cardew) at 11.45. Taxi to Ebury Bridge 2/–. Sent Lucy off by Green Line 703 to Northwood at 12.15. Home, lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rest. Put up curtains (from Onsite cleaned) in bedroom. Shaw’s “On the Rocks” all evening. Political.
Wednesday 4th February 1953
Cold, dull.
Did up parcel of shoes, boots, waterproofs and took to Post Office, W.V.S. 88 Eaton Square (no postage needed) for flood victims. Cooked rhubarb in oven. Rest till 4.15. To R.A.I. 5 lecture by Birley on Roman frontiers in Africa, army, forts. Lois and Jack there. Soup at Forks, Charing Cross Road and sandwiches (cheese). Phoenix Theatre (near Foyles) “Quadrille” by Noël Coward, Alf Lunt and Lynn Fontanne – delightful. 12/6 dress circle.
Slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions – 3rd, 4th, 5th.
Thursday 5th February 1953
Cold, dull.
Cleaned. Alys and Lucy at 12. Tea. Had eggs lunch and then to Agnew’s, Girtin’s. Max and Longden and Theo there! To Club at 5. Read Times. 113 to Platt’s Lane. On to Lois. Eric there, supper. Vernor Ward at 8. Pleasant talk. He took me to 99 in Wolseley. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions and slept there.
Friday 6th February 1953
(no weather)
Elsa phoned 8.10 – husky so I said wouldn’t go to them. Cleaned in flat. Washed china and shelves. Egg and cheese and tomatoes. 3.36 to Northwood. Alys and Lucy with BHN in Green Lane. Home. Tea. Reports of flood here, and in Holland. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 7th February 1953
(no weather)
Boiled cod in salt water. To Rex 1.15 in BHN to see “Limelight”, Charlie Chaplin, Claire Bloom 2/8. “Full Cry”, boy in criminal lunatic asylum escape, Elleston Trevor.
Memo:
3rd Lucy comes to Alys 11.45 at Victoria Coach Station.
4th R.A.I. Birley 5. 7 Phoenix, Foyles opposite.
5th Supper at Lois.
1st Mink and Joyce to supper.
6th Ayrton’s 12.
Sweets unrationed.
Sunday 8th February 1953
Cold.
Up to breakfast, but in bedroom rest of day, with horrid cold. Got into bed in p.m. Soup à l’oignon. Slept most of time.
Monday 9th February 1953
Fine.
Porridge only. In bed dozing, all day. Very stuffy and dry mouth. Listened in. Bread and milk. “The Return of the Prodigal”, St John Hankin. “Shipping Weather Forecast”.
Tuesday 10th February 1953
Snow and rain.
Porridge only. Lucy went to Lois‘. Leek soup and Ryvita at 7.30. In bed all day. Still bad cold in head. Sleepy. Alys read me letters from Phil (Porthos). He on Turkish boat for Naples due. (Slightly clearer with Benzedrine).
Wednesday 11th February 1953
Snow, windy.
Eva took Eve to school and sprained foot and exam; came here for dentist and lunch. Nose very blocked but better at intervals. Eva typed Teddy‘s letter to Air Ministry. Alys read me Phil‘s earlier letter again. Leek soup. U.S.A. broadcast. “The Faithful Heart” by Monckton Hoffe with Ian Hunter.
Thursday 12th February 1953
Snowy, cold.
Stayed in bed all day till 6, very much clearer. Stuffed onion and baked apple. Dozed in, listened in p.m. Ronald Simpson reading “Vanity Fair”, 2.45. Got up and down at 7. Alys not at all pleased, and had supper separately. To bed at 9. “Take It From Here”, “String Lug the Fox” read by Tom Fleming by David Stephen.
Friday 13th February 1953
Cold.
Stayed in bed till 6.15, though better. Alys out in JLN (back from Cook’s, 2 days). Mrs Hill cooked mutton cutlets stew. Mrs Bearcroft took my black town zippers to be heeled. Felt alright, but white tongue. Bath at 6.15 and down to supper. “The Vagrancy Act of 1924”, The Case of Thomas Parker 1933. “Too Often to the Well”, Heinrich von Klelst, 3rd Programme.
Saturday 14th February 1953
Heavy snow in night. Thick on everything. Snowy all day but some sun.
Postcard from Phil to me, posted Beirut, Lebanon. Alys out in JLN as BHN (after both over choked). I stayed in bed till 6.15 (dozed all p.m.). Dressed. Supper. Cold corner bacon, grapefruit. “Autumn Gold”, Lionel Brown. Priest and brother, Dan.
Memo:
10th Lucy to Lois till 13th.
11th R.A.I. Brighton Pavilion, Musgrave.
13th B.A.A. Jones, Bridge House properties.
Lettercard Nellie Moir.
Teddy going to Amersham Hospital for treatment on back – sacro-iliac strain.
Sunday 15th February 1953
Fair a.m. Dull p.m. Snow still unmelted.
Got up at 12 after writing air-letter to Phil at Poste Restante, Naples. Took it to pillarbox. Mutton cutlets and leeks and potatoes, baked apple. Alys got apples from loft. Rest p.m. “The Heart of Midlothian”. Downstairs at 4:25. Alys started cars and to post.
Monday 16th February 1953
Fine and frosty.
Got up at 9.45 (after porridge in bed). Two postcards from Phil from Alexandria and telegram from Naples. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. Alys took JJ out, cleaned a bit and to Colliver Fisher for tyres. BHN put on charge at 1. I walked a bit and in JJ with Alys a short round to Rickmansworth. Turned out little table drawer in my room. Alys to town at 2.30 – 4.15 for coffee! Looked at Atlas.
Tuesday 17th February 1953
Dull, damp. Mild.
Got up to breakfast – coffee and toast and marmalade as well as porridge. Put tapes in chair cover and put it on (Father’s little armchair). Mr Cook to see JLN. Rest in p.m. (curried eggs). Out, and round block twice. Still a horrid taste in my mouth, otherwise better. Read Victor Gollancz “My Dear Timothy”.
Wednesday 18th February 1953
Fine, very mild.
Alys took books to Shenton’s and sheet to Bicky and had lunch with Kitty and took her to Dr Plowright’s. In BHN to Bank and butcher; met Mrs Hill, cheese pudding. Rested. Two poor plays. Alys back at 4.30. Letter from Phil to Alys from Naples, Hotel Britannique. “Volpone”, Ben Jonson.
20th – 21st Slept at Bicky (Lucy there). Alys alone at 12 Grove Road.
Thursday 19th February 1953
Dull, damp, mildish.
Mrs Bearcroft, sitting rooms. Laundry (didn’t call). Alys phoned Mary Miles, who came to lunch (in her Standard). Steak and kidney pie, Fropax peas, apple purée, “cream” cakes. Alys boiled bacon in Prestige. “Suspense”, mystery of Barque Veronica mutiny.
Friday 20th February 1953
Dull, mild.
10.53 to town. Got bread. Fetched rug from Burtol’s. Lunch at Bun Box 2/2 + 6d. Made beds up with clean sheets. Rest in sitting room. At 4.30 to Victoria Coach Station to meet Lucy from Hythe (Cardew) at 5.15. Taxi 5/– to Bicky (Lucy paid ½). Tea for Lucy. Then 7.15 ham, cheese, oranges. She slept in bedroom. I in sitting-room. (Alys took Mrs Hill to Ashridge and Great Missenden).
Saturday 21st February 1953
Mild, dull.
Breakfast at 8.30. At 9.45 buses to Victoria Coach Station. Saw Lucy off at 10.45 to Cheltenham. To Fern’s, 1lb coffee. To Bicky, took blanket to Burtol‘s (10 days). Washed dusters. Egg and cheese lunch. To Northwood by 4.6, Colliver Fisher up. Talked with Alys till 6.45 or so. Bacon. “Spring Harvest”, Alan Kennington (schoolmaster, Cecil Trouncer, blind).
Memo:
18th 6 p.m. cocktails, Lady Darcy and Alys to lunch with Kitty.
20th Lucy to be met, Victoria Coach Station 5.15 from Hythe and seen off 21st at 10.45 to Broadway (Cheltenham).
23rd Eve passed exam to Sherborne.
Sunday 22nd February 1953
Mild. Dull.
Uncle Silas 2.30 by Sheridan Le Fanu. Sent cheque 14/– for R.A.I. Spring meeting (Windsor). Walked, round pony field to pillarbox, Kewferry Road. Card to Sissie suggesting 25th or 26th. Sir Leonard Woolley spoke on Noah’s flood (“Myth or Legend”). Found my tame chaffinch dead on front drive. Shall miss him. “The Wages of Fear”, Marion-Crawford, Gerrard.
Monday 23rd February 1953
Dull, windy.
Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ room. Alys to London for curtain stuff (kitchen). I washed clothes and napkins, (ironed in p.m.). Took BHN to Cook’s at 12. He put washers on battery, and distilled water in, and oil, air (30) and Esso petrol 2 gallons. Mrs Hill brought their leeks. Tore up papers. “Madame Legros” by Mann. Leontine Sagan.
Tuesday 24th February 1953
Sunny, windy.
Mrs Bearcroft. I put lime on beds. Alys to shops in Phil‘s car. Mince and noodles. Made apple purée. Marion Berry at 4 or so, had tea with Alys. I upstairs, and then out (to 52 Kewferry Road, Heriot’s). Marion stayed supper. Minced ham and scrambled eggs.
Wednesday 25th February 1953
Fine.
Eve came 9 a.m. in CUC for shops and dentist and lunch here. I in BHN at 12.15 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Ate sandwiches. At 2.10 off to Sissie’s. (2.30), Moss Crescent. With her till 4.10. Then home via Totteridge. Tea. Rest. Slept. Sausages at 7.15. To bed 9. “Golden Boy”, Clifford Odets. Richard Attenborough, boxer-violinist.
Thursday 26th February 1953
Fine a.m. Dull p.m.
Telegram from Phil – “Arrived safely Malta 25th to 4th“. 2 postcards for Alys and 1 for me (Capri) from Phil. Laundry (didn’t call). Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. I washed a lot of things, and ironed in p.m. Alys to shops. Buckling for lunch. Alys very cold all day, and felt disinclined for supper, but had it after all, and to bed at 8. “Suspense, Buried Alive”. Alfred Southon in snow in Italian Alps. “Science Survey – The New Detergents”. Called on Elizabeth Heriot.
Friday 27th February 1953
Fine, fog in town.
Alys in JLN to call for Eva and they drove to Headington, Oxford to see school there (Eve?). In BHN to get bread and cake. Made sandwiches. (Mrs Hill, rabbit pie). And to join Eve at 12.41, and to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (sandwiches on train). On to Carlton cinema at 2 to see “Hans Christian Andersen”, Danny Kaye. Good. 4.45 to Northwood. Eva and Eve away later.
Saturday 28th February 1953
Fine.
Alys a slight cold. I to shops in BHN. Rabbit pie lunch. Rest all p.m. Walk to Post Office with eggbox. Got cigarettes 3/7. Alys out walking later. Read Alys my “Memoirs”. “South Pacific”, Julie Wilson, Wilbur Evans, good.
Memo:
Phil – Hotel Phoenicia, Malta 25th till 4th.
24th Marion Berry, tea and supper.
25th Sissie, about 2.30.
27th Eve with me. Alys and Eva to Headington School. Meet Eve 12.41 Northwood, Carlton Ciné to Hans Christian Andersen film.
1st Barbara.
BHN on charge 3rd 11 a.m.
Stalin gravely ill. Stalin in 3 day coma.
Sunday 1st March 1953
Dull a.m. Fine p.m.
Cleaned rooms, little sitting room, Cozy stove. Sat on veranda in sun after lunch (rabbit pie). At 4.30 Barbara Buchanan and Elizabeth and Charles Heriot and Neil (aged 18 months). All to tea. (Elizabeth is Ken Reid’s 2nd daughter). Barbara stayed till 9. Tongue, Bath chap, peaches (Amy).
Monday 2nd March 1953
Foggy, cold.
Alys’ cold better. To meet Eva and Eve Moor Park. Train derailed so they by CUC. Alys and Eva and Eve to Newbury to see school. Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. To shops and met Mrs Hill. Wrote Menie and Kath. Alys, Eva and Eve in at 5 to tea. Eva and Eve away in CUC at 5.30. Alys to bed at 7.30, but down to eat tongue.
Tuesday 3rd March 1953
Fog and cold till 11. Then hot sun.
BHN into road and engine stopped. So a van-man helped. Alys and I in JLN to Moor Park. Alys met Eva and to school at Burgess Hill. I took JLN back. Put BHN on charge. Mrs B. Goode all day doing Phil’s ceiling. Wrote Kitty at Bompas. Brett mowed front grass. Eve to tea, and at 7 Alys and Eva back. All had supper, and Alys took them Moor Park at 8.20.
Wednesday 4th March 1953
(no weather)
Good finished Phil’s ceiling and pipes in kitchen. I by 10.36 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Phoned Elsa and tube to 9 Church Row. Talk with Max and Elsa. At 12.55 tube to Goodge Street. Fern’s for coffee. Home. Eggs, lunch. On bed 2.30 – 4 (matinée). To Herbal shop. Search for horse (Eve) brass in Burlington Arcade 5/-. At R.A.I. meeting. J.G. Hurst on deserted Medieval villages. Lois, Mrs Holden. 7.32 Northwood, Colliver Fisher. (Eva had been to lunch with Alys).
5th Stalin died.
Thursday 5th March 1953
Dull and very cold all day.
Laundry. Out in BHN. Hair trim 2/– + 6d tip, Miss Wells. Alys doing curtains (kitchen). Mrs Bearcroft, Phil‘s bedroom. Cold tinned pork, Alys had poached eggs. To High Street for bap at 3 and posted Alys’ letter to Phil in Rome. Alys phoned Pritt re. school Hindhead. Frank Archer phoned me 8.45; Jim died 8 a.m. yesterday. “Suspense”, Yamamoto, Japanese Admiral and notebook 1940.
Friday 6th March 1953
Dull as 12. Sunny all p.m.
Alys to shops. I wrote Kitty and Frank Archer re. Jim’s death. In BHN to meet Lois at 12.38. She to lunch and early tea. Alys took her to station 4.26. “Any Questions”. Telegram from Phil – Rome, Hotel Angleterre. “Uncle Toby and the Widow Wadman” (Sterne, Tristam Shandy).
Saturday 7th March 1953
Dullish, then some sun and milder.
In BHN to Northwood Hills to get emergency ration papers (Alys and Phil’s). Cleaned car. Alys took JJ to Colliver Fisher re. handle. Tinned pork. Alys making curtains and cleaning JJ. I slept 5 – 6. “Murder Without Witness”, John Harrison.
Memo:
3rd Goode for ceiling in Phil‘s bedroom.
4th R.A.I. Hurst and Golson on deserted Medieval villages.
Blanket ready Burtol’s after 3rd.
6th Lois 12.19 from Finchley Road, meet 12.38.
10th and 11th at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Alys at Eva’s 10th and 11th.
Sunday 8th March 1953
Fine. Frosty night.
Only out to post (D. Murray) and up Kewferry Drive. Alys busy with curtains (red and blue check, kitchen). I remodelled grey coat (took off Hanover horse buttons). “The Little Minister” 2.30. Tunny salad, grapefruit. At 7.30 “On a Chinese Screen”, Maugham.
Monday 9th March 1953
Fine. Frost at night.
Alys and Eva to school Hindhead by train. In BHN to High Street for bread and met Mrs Hill. Mrs. Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room. Pork and carrots. Mrs Hill cooked corner gammon (10/1). I worked at grey coat, and washed and ironed. Alys back 4.45. Diaries 1900 2–3 in evening. “The Ox-bow Incident”, rustlers, Walter Van Tilburg Clark.
Tuesday 10th March 1953
Foggy.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions 10.53 train. To Bank and fixed for £1200 in Consols, instead Defence Bonds. Got two horse brasses Edgeware Road. To China Smith. Lunch 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Sewed and rested. Fetched blanket Burtol’s 4/9. To herbalists for medicines £1.2.0. Phoned Kitty. “P.C. 49”, “The Labyrinth”, Helena Wood, Byron and Annabella and Augusta. Last Holiday Classic 2/1.
Wednesday 11th March 1953
Fair.
To Paddington 10.3 to Windsor, Lois and Laurie too. Oliver Millar took us over state apartments. Pictures. Lunch Regency House Café. Grand corridor. At 3 Library and St George’s Chapel and Albert Memorial Chapel. Sir Owen Morshead, Castle Librarian. Tea café. Back about 6.30 at Paddington. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Phoned Jack Willis, and Lois B.A.A. King’s Lynn, The Duke’s Head Hotel.
Thursday 12th March 1953
Dull. Cold.
All a.m. cleaning flat, washed windowsills. Alys phoned, she to hairdresser 2.30 or so. I by 3.36 to Northwood and Alys’ car there. Rest and wrote The Duke’s Head Hotel, King’s Lynn for rooms. Wrote Nellie Moir. After supper P. Fleming on “The Battle for Norway” and “Suspense – Rendezvous in Crete” and German General.
Friday 13th March 1953
Dull, milder.
To Baker Street 11.6. To Smith’s for cup. Lunch 119 Bickenhall Mansions (eggs). Rested till 4. To 11 Chandos Street B.A.A. Mr Turner on some aspects of Coronation. Back by 6.36. Walked to 12 Grove Road. After supper, rang up Nellie Moir re. date of King’s Lynn and rang Globe Hotel, King’s Lynn reserving 2 rooms 22nd – 27th June.
Saturday 14th March 1953
Fine p.m.
Alys to shops. Phoned Lois re. hotels, King’s Lynn. To Boots and got ice cream and yoghurt and synthetic cream. Slept in p.m. Sunny bedroom. We put up new curtains in kitchen. “The Show”, Galsworthy.
Memo:
10th Gas meter 11.30 – 12.
11th R.A.I. Windsor. Leave Paddington 10.3.
13th B.A.A. Turner, Coronation. Cup ready.
9th Alys with Eva to Haslemere School (Pritt’s).
Alys slept Great Missenden 16th and 17th. Teddy heard definitely posted Far East.
Sunday 15th March 1953
Frost at night. Sunny day.
Altering grey coat, buttons and ties. Did cheque-book. Wrote Miss Ruffer, re. June. Alys to Sissie in JLN. I washed my hair, Vaseline shampoo.
Monday 16th March 1953
Fine, milder.
Alys to shops. Mrs Bearcroft cleaning in Phil‘s bedroom and bathroom. Mrs Hill, cheese pudding, treacle pudding. Alys in JLN to Great Missenden 4 (to go to see school in Northampton tomorrow). I netted blue wool scarf. Got petrol. “The Adding Machine”, Elma Rice.
Tuesday 17th March 1953
Fine, mild.
New laundry (Willesdon). Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. To get bap in BHN. To Bank. To Great Missenden (changing Moor Park) at 3.38. Got Dougal and to meet Eve 5.7. Tea. Alys and Eva at about 6 (Teddy‘s posting to Singapore fixed). 6.48 to Northwood (via Moor Park again). “Titus Andronicus”, Wilfred Walter.
Wednesday 18th March 1953
Dull. Very cold. East wind.
Sewed chair cover better. Alys back at 11.40. Mrs Hill, baked fish (haddock). On bed p.m. To plays. Card from Phil, “a cold”. Out to post letter to Globe Hotel. Phoned Nellie Moir re. Sylvia’s and Kitty. Re-knitted cuff of jumper (cable). “Sweet Aloes”, Diana Wynyard.
BHN on charge Thursday 10.45 – 11 Friday.
Thursday 19th March 1953
Dull and cold.
Mrs Bearcroft. Alys took JLN to Cook’s (exhaust). I to Cook’s in BHN and to take her High Street and home. She out again in JJ. Chops in pressure cooker and tinned tomatoes. Rest in p.m. (after 2 – 3 listening). To buy bacon 7/– Sainsbury’s and bath olivers and kippers. Edward Ward on “Report on Yugoslavia”. Pilgrims’ dinner.
Friday 20th March 1953
Mild, sunny.
Card from Phil from Florence (better). Alys to Eva (not very well) taking fish. In BHN to Sainsbury’s and Jones’. Met Mrs Hill. Then to Hudson‘s. Bought 2 dozen sweet pea plants at 2/6 a dozen. Vincent’s and spinach seeds. Put hop manure on rhubarb. Alys back at 6. “The Blackbird”, Ludwig Koch. “Bartleby”, Herman Melville.
Saturday 21st March 1953
Mostly dull.
Washed new vest. Alys to shops. Fishcakes and salad. Listened to England vs. Scotland – Twickenham. England won 26–8. Walked over bridges. On bed. Read “The Return Home”. Cold bacon.
Memo:
17th Laundry. Mrs Cattle’s. To Great Missenden p.m.
18th Eve‘s 13th birthday (horse brasses and “Deft Fingers”).
Phil Florence till 17th.
20th – 23rd Kitty at George’s.
Queen Mary died 24th evening, aged 85.
Alys and I slept at Bicky 25th.
Sunday 22nd March 1953
Fair.
Brett came and planted sweet pea plants and pruned roses. Alys and I both tore up letters. I all a.m. and p.m., going over desk (Doz’s) – horrid and tiring. Edward’s poems. Out by bridges at 5.30. Spaghetti. Read our childish stories “James and his dog, Blackie”.
Monday 23rd March 1953
Fine, warm. Fog later.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. Alys to Colliver Fisher with JJ. To shops later in JLN. Kitty came at 12. Mrs Hill, baked plaice and apple cracknel. We sat on veranda. Kitty on bed in p.m. I washed and iron. Tea. Kit away at 5.30. Telegram from Phil – Regina Hotel, Venice, “returning Friday”. “Marshall Ney”, J.C. Masterman.
Tuesday 24th March 1953
Dull all day.
Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. Alys bad night and slept on till 9.55. I to High Street in BHN for bap and herrings. Alys out later. I went on clearing big desk. “Woman’s Hour”. Rest on bed. Watered rhubarb. Changed table. “The Traveller Without Luggage”, Jean Anouilh, Hugh Burden.
Wednesday 25th March 1953
Very warm.
Death of Queen Mary on 8 o’clock news. I to lunch with Kitty. Tripe. Went to Fenton House (National Trust). To town. To R.A.I. lecture, Phil Corder, Great Casterton. Lois, Jack Willis, Eric and I to Lyons self-service. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Alys there. Churchill spoke on Queen Mary 9 p.m. Both slept at Bicky.
End of longest spring drought since 1893 (36 days). Rain on 26th.
Grand National won by Early Mist, Mont Tremblant 2nd.
Cambridge won Boat Race by eight lengths.
Thursday 26th March 1953
Fine till 12. Rain p.m.
Alys drove us back to Northwood in JLN by 11.15. Mrs Bearcroft there. Mrs Hill came (instead of 25th). Cleared out shoe shelves (orange box). Brigeon mowed grass 5/6. Alys shopped and busy – Phil‘s room and lamps. “The Dambusters”, Gibson.
Friday 27th March 1953
Fair. Sunny a.m.
Washed things. Alys to shops. Mrs Hill, Mrs Bearcroft. I walked to get chocolate peppermint (Poppy’s). Picked our 1st daffodils. Rest. At 5.20, Alys and I in car from Hazel‘s to Victoria to meet Phil, who arrived at 6.50 straight through from Venice. Drove home, Phil telling of Italians’ attitude to us. Tongue and grapefruit and talk till 9.30. Brooch!
Saturday 28th March 1953
Fair, mild.
Phil very late to breakfast. I in BHN to High Street for haddock and baps and lettuce. Cold mutton and leeks. Rest. At 4, Eva and Teddy came to tea (Eve at fancy dress party), Dougal too. Teddy brought Eve here at 7 and all had supper. They away 8.56. We looked at father‘s very good photos of Italy and Leo‘s book and map of Venice. Oxford beaten by 8 lengths – Boat Race. Early Mist won Grand National.
Memo:
25th R.A.I. P. Corder. Lunch Kitty’s – took butter, margarine, apples.
26th Phil back at latest.
27th Phil arrives through Simplon from Venice about 6.30.
Queen Mary lying in state – Westminster Abbey.
Slept Bicky 31st and 1st.
Sunday 29th March 1953
Very windy 24 hours. Mild.
Phil coughing (cold in Florence not cleared up). Wrote K-H Services for tour letters, and to post. Made chocolate mousse. Cress sandwiches. Heard about Mogabgab and Maltese family who received King Alfonso in 1500 and again in 1900 – odd.
Monday 30th March 1953
Heavy showers. Sunny p.m.
Phil phoned Dr Baker, who came up at 2.30. Did laundry. In BHN to Northwood Hills with Ella‘s radio. To Boots. Phil in bed till lunchtime. Mrs Hill. I wrote Mandy, and to post. Altered shoulders on Ella‘s coat. Lovely drive in JJ to Jordans, Chalfonts. Bacon and sausages, grapefruit.
Tuesday 31st March 1953
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft, Alys’ room. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch (cold bacon). To get coffee for 10. At Bourne & Hollingsworth bought apron 7.6 and hat trimming, scarf ring, basket 10/6. To Polytechnic Film “The Seven Deadly Sins”, French – orgueil, paresse, envie, aranice, luxure, gourmandise, colère and 8th imagining evil. Supper at 8.30 at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Wednesday 1st April 1953
Fair.
To Club. Then 88 bus to Tate Museum – Mexican art. Archaic and also modern. Lunch in restaurant there 3/9 + 6d at 1.45. Home. Rest and two playlets. Phoned Alys, not home till tomorrow. Out for yoghurt and yeast. Bought 2 horses group 15/– and a brass 4/6. “Disputed Barricade”, blind girl thriller. Van Gogh “My Brother Vincent”.
Thursday 2nd April 1953
Showers, cool.
Paid rent £40.16.5. To Burlington House, Diploma Gallery for “Kings and Queens” Home to lunch. Curry omelette. Looked out “Santa Maria della Salute” by Sargent and hung it up instead of Geoffrey, Polly, Dolly canvas. On bed. Play. “Red-Letter Day”, Faye Compton (50th birthday), Rosenthal. Looked through Doz‘s coffin box – Italian tablecloths. Supper. By 85 to Northwood. Colliver Fisher up. Talk with Phil and Alys re. Eva’s Marriage Settlement.
Friday 3rd April 1953
Sun at times. Cool.
Phil still coughing a lot. Alys boiled bacon in pressure cooker and carrots for lunch. Tinned strawberries and real cream. Rested. Slept (very tired). After tea, Phil drove us in JJ by Fulmer (a ford) and back through Gerrards Cross and then Rickmansworth. Back by 7. Kippers and Bruxelles chocolate. “Any Questions”. Phil rheumatism (hip).
Saturday 4th April 1953
Fine on whole.
Alys early to get bread and meat in High Street. I in BHN later to get oranges, grapefruit. Alys cooked shoulder (½) of lamb and mint sauce and spring greens. Alys and Phil in JJ to Ruislip mere. I walked to Post Office with egg-boxes and got sweets. Rest. “Peace Comes to Peckham”, (children from USA).
Memo:
Cream from April 1st, will end July.
31st James back. Queen Mary’s funeral.
30th Laundry.
31st Film.
8th Collision in Tube – 9 killed.
BHN on charge 7th 10.40 till evening.
Sunday 5th April 1953
Cold. Heavy showers. A little sun.
Alys to Mrs Hill to ask her not to come on Tuesday. I posted Evening Standard crossword. Cold lamb and salad and endives. “The Corinthian” (Regency play, Georgette Hayer’s novel). All in JJ to Great Missenden. Tea with Eva, Teddy, James and Eve (latter now know about Teddy being posted). Home at 7:45.
Monday 6th April 1953
Sun and showers, cold wind.
Kitty and Kath came at 11.35 in Kath’s car. Dusted and tidy. Pineapple. Made hat from veil and trimming (leaves), bought Bourne & Hollingsworth. Tongue and grapefruit, “20 Questions”, “Take It From Here”.
Tuesday 7th April 1953
Fine all day.
Phil and Alys train to town. Phil x-rayed U.C.H. a.m. Saw Clement Price Thomas p.m. I washed mats and napkins. Ironed. To get bread in BHN. Made fruit salad with pineapple. Alys and Phil back at 4.35. Good report. “Is There Anything In It? – Graphology” in p.m., BBC and letters from doctors to Phil and mine. We guessed about them.
Wednesday 8th April 1953
Fine and fair.
Letters from Sissie and Amy Steel. Phil took JJ to Colliver Fisher and walked back. I walked with Phil. Mrs Bearcroft came (instead Monday). Mrs Hill, curried the tongue. I to Sissie in BHN. There from 2.30 till 4.15. Phil called on Cattle’s. Grilled herrings and yoghurt (Phil ordered to take it by Dr Baker). “The Navigation of Birds”, “Document ‘Britain: 113’”, Punch as historian 1914 – 1918.
Thursday 9th April 1953
Fair, cold.
To Bicky at 12. Lunch of curried eggs. To Bourne & Hollingsworth, changed apron. Search for dark jersey stuff in 5 shops. Bought a waistcoat of it, Marks & Spencer and a map 3/6 Selfridge’s. Home, rest. Tinned minced steak and peas. Sewed ruching on hat. “Prisoner at the Bar: Crippen”, “The Chlorophyll Story”, Magnus Pyke.
Friday 10th April 1953
Fair.
Alys phoned – Barbara and Paul going. To National Provincial Bank and dairy. Then at 11.30 to see “Passport to Pimlico” and 3 dimensional film, Classic 2/1. Met wonderful lady! Out 2. Lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rest. To Fern’s for coffee. To 11 Chandos Street B.A.A. Davis on Masons’ marks. Lois and Laurie there. I to supper at Quality, with Laurie 5/– with tip each.
Saturday 11th April 1953
Fine.
All day cleaning. Except walked to china shop for cup at 12. Washed all glass in top shelf and also windows of door cupboards, and bedroom window. Also lowest shelf of dresser cupboard. Listened 4.15 – 5 play. 7.21 home. Colliver Fisher up. Talk with Alys and Phil (who had Barbara and Paul Davis to supper on Friday). Phil to Clement Price Thomas.
Memo:
10th B.A.A. Davis – Masons’ marks.
7th Kitty to Walmer this week.
5th To Berry’s to tea.
6th Kitty and Kath a.m.
Sunday 12th April 1953
Rain, dull.
Wiz came at 12.30 and spent day. Steak and kidney pudding, apple snow. Phil and Wiz to Rickmansworth and Bourne End. Tea 5.15. Supper at 8. Sir Mortimer Wheeler on Stanwick excavations (“The Archaeologist”) 9.15. Phil took Wiz to 10.25 train.
Monday 13th April 1953
Sun and heavy showers.
Mrs Bearcroft did my room. Alys to shops. Phil and I sprayed roses with Bugol. Phil to get wetting stuff. Mrs Hill came. Rests in p.m. Out with Phil to Post Office and back by railway. Rain. Goodson rang up. Phil heard no vacancy P.W.W. till April 28th for his bronchoscopy.
Tuesday 14th April 1953
Fine. Showers, very cold.
Alys did laundry. Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. I to High Street for bread and vegetables, grapefruit. Then Alys to shops. Mrs Hill came. I took her to Northwood Hills and went to Rex – “Street Corner”, (police woman) and “The Lady From Boston”, French squatters 2/8. Home at 6.45. “Dowsers” Butler on Budget 9.15. Wrote Kitty at Walmer.
Wednesday 15th April 1953
Fair.
Alys to London. Took her to 10 train. I to Mrs Hill’s and then Jones’ and Post Office. Missed Mrs Hill. She cooked sausages for Phil and me and fish for tonight. Phil took me in JJ at 2 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Alys there. I to Clectricity Board. To R.A.I., Rev. Dickinson on Our Lady of Walsingham. Home. “Sir Walter Ralegh”, Thorp Devereaux.
Malan’s Government majority in South Africa.
Eisenhower’s great speech (16th) appeal to Russia.
BHN on charge 18th 11.
Thursday 16th April 1953
Fair.
Washed cashmere shawl. To British Museum. Sword and scabbard from Stanwick shown by M. Brailsford (closed on even days). Then Michael Angelo drawings, and lunch Lyons self-service, Tottenham Court Road 1.45 or 2. Rest. Netted yellow scarf. Cleaned drawer. Macaroni pudding. Out to buy milk at 5. “Prisoner at the Bar – Madeleine Smith”, Lustgarten.
Friday 17th April 1953
Fair, dark.
Stayed in for Electricity men, who only came at 2. Cleaned dresser drawer things. Out for milk as Phil phoned – coming at 4. Eggs, lunch. Phil at 4. Had tea, and looked at Venice on screen (map). Phil drove me home in JJ. Haddocks and meringues with real cream. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 18th April 1953
Fine, mild.
Alys to shops. Then I walked to get jams and grapefruit. BHN put on charge. Mince and leeks. Derek in. Phil and JJ to James Campbell‘s daughter’s christening. Phil, Godfather. Back at 6.20 or so? Postcard Kit arrived 6.15. “The Cure For Love”, Walter Greenwood.
Memo:
14th Laundry.
13th My room, Mrs Bearcroft.
15th R.A.I. 5 Dickinson.
Smart 4.30 Phil sedimentary rate 2 (good).
17th Electricity Board man a.m.
Summer Time began.
Sunday 19th April 1953
Rain, dull.
Phil took Derek in JJ to Chorleywood and they had a walk. Phoned James. Hot pork. Phil sat on veranda in sun all p.m. I washed napkins. “Mary of Orange”. In JJ to Elstree Reservoir (Aldenham Sailing Club). “The Stone Ages” F. E. Zeuner, “The Mexican Exhibition”, V.S. Pritchett.
Monday 20th April 1953
Fine and sunny.
I took BHN to Mr Cook for the direction indicators to be done. Walked to Bank and then had hair trim by Wells (Baldo). Back with Alys (Mrs Hill) in JLN. Phil in sun on veranda and hut most of day. I rested 1½ hours. Boiled cod and sauce. Phil to Dr Baker at 8.15. “The Shadow of the Shark”, Chesterton. Ivy Compton-Burnett “A Conversation”.
Walmer
Tuesday 21st April 1953
Fine.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions at about 11.30. To Fern’s and had 2lb coffee sent by post. Lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions, sneezing. Bus to Charing Cross. 4.15 to Walmer, arrived 6.15. Still “hayfever”. Car to Drum Hill. Kitty staying at Betty Gillespie‘s flat. Chicken fricassée and purple sprouting. Crossword.
Wednesday 22nd April 1953
Very fine, cold wind.
We by bus 10.15 to Strand. Bought paper handkerchiefs. On bus to Deal, sat on beach. Lunch at Dobson‘s café. Enquired re. “Les Enfants” at cinema. Sat on promenade and walked. Charming little streets. Bus to Walmer, Drum Hill. Rests. Tea. Out to Parish Church (Norman), Duke of Wellington‘s. Supper. To bed 9.
119 Bickenhall Mansions – 24th.
Thursday 23rd April 1953
Very cold and grey. Little sun p.m.
Kit and I walked to Walmer Castle. Saw over it – Duke‘s rooms with his own furniture as he had it. Bus to Deal 4d each. Public Library till 12.10 (too cold out of doors). Lunch Dobson‘s Café, Queen Street 1.10. To Royal Cinema “Les Enfants du Paradis”, Barrault as mime, very good. Home. Rest. To order my taxi at Drum pub. To Hotel. Churchill at H.A.C., St George’s night and Alan Brooke.
London
Friday 24th April 1953
Fine-ish.
With Kit to the turrets. “Horrible Haythornthwaite”. At 12 lunch (Kit nil). Car at 1.5 to station 3/– +6d. Train 1.21 to Charing Cross. Bus to Baker Street. Out for milk and bread. Wrote Kitty. Phoned Alys. Netted yellow scarf and “A Family and a Fortune”, Ivy Compton-Burnett, very good.
Saturday 25th April 1953
Fair.
Out for Idris. James came at 12.15 and we in bus to Piccadilly. Self-service lunch at Lyons, Coventry Street. Then walked to British Museum – “Maps” exhibition, then Egyptian in Lower Halls. Then see Stanwick sword. Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Tea. Up to attic to fetch mattress. James carried it to station. 5.38 to Moor Park (James on to Great Missenden). Phil and Alys met me and JJ. “The Land of Promise”, (Canada) Somerset Maugham – Robert Beatty, Isabel Dean.
Memo:
21st To Walmer. Charing Cross 4.15 arrive 6.15.
25th James to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Go to British Museum, Maps.
24th Back from Walmer 1.21, arrive 3.46 Charing Cross.
29th – 119 Bickenhall Mansions
Alys at 119 Bickenhall Mansions 28th.
Sunday 26th April 1953
Cold wind. Some warm sun.
Phil for a walk with Derek Cattle, Ruislip. All to George and Joy Buchanan‘s at Hunton Bridge to tea. Edward aged 1 and 10 months, Phil‘s godson. Sat in hut in sun.
Monday 27th April 1953
Rain, fine later.
Took BHN to Cook, as not charging. He did fan belt. Home. Mrs Hill. James came to lunch. All of us to Rex to see “The Cruel Sea”, Montserrat, Jack Hawkins. Tea. Phil took James to Moor Park. In garden with Phil. Rest. “No Cross. No Crown”, Bailiol Holloway.
Tuesday 28th April 1953
Sun and showers.
Laundry. Alys and Phil to station in BHN. Phil‘s bronchoscopy by Sir Clement Price Thomas p.m. I home. Rat man came. Mrs Bearcroft in p.m. cleaned Phil‘s room. Had our own rhubarb 1st time. Alys phoned 6.10. Phil bad. Phoned from P.P.W. Not stuck but granulation tissue.
Wednesday 29th April 1953
Fair.
Ironed napkins (flowers). Lettercard to Kitty. Got bread and to Cook’s re. BHN horn. Met Mrs Hill, cheese pudding. Alys and Phil home at 2. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions and on to Handy’s shop. To R.A.I. lecture 5. C.F. Hawkes – pagan Saxon Wiltshire and the origins of Wessex. Very amusing and racy. Supper, Lyons with Lois and Eric who back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions with me.
Thursday 30th April 1953
Rain all day.
Wrote Nellie Moir and to post in a.m. Irish moss. Rest and sleep in p.m. Washed my hair at 5. Supper at 6.15 (Welsh rarebit.). Train 7.3 to Northwood. Walked up. “Prisoner at the Bar – Sidney Fox case”, Academy banquet – “The Royal Academy Dinner”.
Friday 1st May 1953
Dull, then fair.
Got out Income Tax papers and sorted them. Mrs Hill, roast pork and leeks. Rest. Sleep and read “The Sojourner”. To Boots at 5 and got Evening Standard. Éclairs.
Saturday 2nd May 1953
Fine.
Eva phoned p.m. re. school, where Teddy Eva and she went. To shops before 10.30 for butter, rations and sausages and bread. Walked. Alys to shops in JLN. Curry lunch. Alys and Phil in JJ to see sailing at Aldenham, and back about 5.30. I gardened; then rested. Slept. Read “Sutton Hoo”, Bruce Mitford. Robert Kemp’s play “Henrietta M.D”. Meringues.
Memo:
Dr Baker for ears in May.
29th Alys and I Hawkes 5 p.m. Wessex.
28th Phil for bronchoscopy. Laundry.
“The Cruel Sea” this week.
2nd Berry’s to school near Northampton re. Bursary.
Blackbird and (lame) wife in front garden – very tame.
Nestlings in berberis in Cattle’s garden.
Sunday 3rd May 1953
Perfect day.
Income Tax papers. Alys and Phil in JJ to Aldenham (Elstree Way) to see yacht racing at 2. In BHN to Sissie at North Finchley. Got 2 gallons petrol near Stanmore. Called at Louie Barnard’s on way back (out) and walked near Pinner Hill and Little Oxhey. BHN not charging.
Monday 4th May 1953
Fair, warm.
Mrs Bearcroft, my room. Phil to town to Blennerhassett and Miss Kank (therapist) re. his stance. Phil to Royal Academy too. I to Cook’s re. belt – BHN still slipping. Mrs Hill. I sprayed roses with Buisol and put bonemeal on 2 standards. (BHN at Cook’s). Alys made fish mayonnaise.
Tuesday 5th May 1953
Fine, hot.
Washed things, mats. Income Tax papers. Phil put canvas on the chair. Alys got it 10/6 at Salmon’s. I got parsley seed. Mrs Bearcroft and Mrs Hill, Brett and Bridgeon p.m. Cook brought BHN back. Dynamo brushes worn, and new belt. Jean Davis (Cyprus) to supper. Phil met her about 6.15 and took her to Ruislip at 10.
Wednesday 6th May 1953
Fair, mild but cold wind.
In BHN to get bread and put cheque (Dorothy Barnard’s £50) in National Provincial Bank. To Vincent’s. Mrs Hill. After lunch, Phil, Alys and I in JJ to St Albans – museum and theatre. Met Mrs Mason and Mr Tonichy. Hypocaust too across field. To Ryder’s on way back, got tarragon, 2 roots 1/6. Planted them.
7th and 8th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
9th BHN on charge. 12 o’clock.
Thursday 7th May 1953
Fair.
Alys took me to 11.15 train. To Bicky. Out for bread and voted L.C.C. Lunch, liver and lettuce. Indoor; rested and slept. Unpicked old summer frilled black coat. Omelette, curry. “Prisoner at the Bar”, Staunton case (starvation of wife), Lustgarden.
Friday 8th May 1953
Fair.
To Aybrook Street, electric re. account. To Ferns. Deposited £5. To 36 Craven Street with Derby draw counterfoils. To Bank. Lunch 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Eva phoned – Alys gone Aldeburgh. Rest. To 11 Chandos Street. Professor (Miss) Toynbee on evidence for Christianity in Roman Britain. Boy with Catterick photo. Home. Supper. Railways talk “Trains of Thought”, “The Interned” Ackerley, Swiss 1918.
Saturday 9th May 1953
Very fine.
10.20 train to Northwood. Walked up. Car to High Street. Bap and lettuce, ice cream. Put BHN on charge. Altered grey frock (with plaits) and made pocket of shoulder pads. “The Thunderbolt”, Pinero.
Memo:
5th Kitty back.
4th Mrs Bearcroft, my room.
8th B.A.A. Toynbee (Miss), evidence for Christianity in Roman Britain.
7th Vote Marylebone 1st vote.
BHN on charge till Monday 11 a.m.
Sunday 10th May 1953
Dull a.m. Lovely p.m.
Washed things and later ironed. Wrote Fern’s for coffee and to pillarbox post. Got spinach and had for lunch with cold lamb, also our own rhubarb and ice cream. Garden, weeded. Blackbird for food and I found his young ones in Jones‘ garden. Sewed pocket and dark grey frock neck. “International Birdsong Contest” 7.10, “Everest” 9.15.
Monday 11th May 1953
Lovely day.
Defrosted Fridge. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room. Mrs Hill, cheese pudding. I to Jones’ for 3 haddocks and bread and cream. Took Mrs Hill to Vincent‘s. Mrs. Cattle showed me nest in monkey puzzle. Alys and Phil home in JJ at 5.15 (Alys from Southwold). Lit Cozy stove at 6.30.
Tuesday 12th May 1953
Perfect day.
Heard about flat at Aldeburgh. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. Wrote Kitty. Ernest saw Phil. I gardened a lot, triangular bed. Brett p.m. Mrs Hill, cold lamb, chocolate queen pudding. Phil with Dudley Baker to Weybridge (saw Tony and Helen). Phil had supper at Bakers. Ustinov and Jones “In All Directions” 9.30. British and British Empire Heavyweight Championship – Cockell beat Williams (holder).
Wednesday 13th May 1953
Fine.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch there and sewed black trim coat. Phoned Lois re. Ashridge. To RAI. Tea at 4.30 (only just remembered in time). Laurie, Lois, and Jack. Sir Mortimer spoke on Flinders Petrie (centenary of birth). Lois and I walked to Selfridge’s. Lois told of Paul Faraday, lost at sea on flight. “Tale of Two Cities” in evening, Eric Portman.
Thursday 14th May 1953
Showery.
Electricity man came re. queried account – meters. To Selfridge’s, bought hat case 18/6 and duckboard 6/6 and polish 3/6 and Sponge Maid 12.11. To Evans, got scarfs and belt. In p.m. sewed coat and machined frill on it. Washed kitchen floor with Sponge Maid. 7.36 to Northwood. Walked up. “Prisoner at the Bar” – Herbert Bennett murder trial. “The Migration of Mammals”.
Friday 15th May 1953
Rain all day.
Phil to lunch and tea with Paul Davis. Alys to shops. I to get rhubarb to add to ours. Rested in p.m. At 5 walked again to Kingham’s for rations. Asparagus at supper and blackcurrant Ilkley pudding with cream! “The Plain Dealer” by Wycherley.
Saturday 16th May 1953
Wind, warm, showers.
To High Street in BHN – bread and vegetables and ration book (emergencies) in Northwood Hills. Mince and leeks and potatoes in jackets. Alys and Phil to Bourne End to see firefly races. I sewed black “bits” to toque with wreath 6/9 and read papers. Salmon and mayonnaise (Alys). Scene from “Private Lives”, Mary Lockwood, Hubert Gregg. “Edward My Son”, Robert Morley and Noel Langley.
Memo:
12th Laundry
13th B.A.I. Mortimer, Flinders Petrie.
11th 10.30 electric man.
15th Phil lunch Paul Davis.
Write Sissie.
Sunday 17th May 1953
Dullish, mild.
Some gardening. Picked last of the narcissi and first of lilies of valley. Whole bacon joint and carrots. Phil painted umbrella stand. He and Alys for a walk after tea.
Monday 18th May 1953
Dull.
To Overend re. Fridge, and Boots. Phil sewed nasturtiums. I weeded. Mrs. Bearcroft did dining-room. All p.m. writing up my dress account since 1937! New BBC “What Do You Know? – Beat the Expert”. Letter from Sissie.
Tuesday 19th May 1953
Fair.
Garden. Brigeon cut lawns. Phil got Fison‘s weedkiller and did both lawns. I phoned Harding’s. Fridge man came. Turbot, lunch. Phil took JJ to Ruislip for wireless. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 3. Phoned Lois. Quick macaroni. Wrote Sissie in a.m.
Wednesday 20th May 1953
Fine, mild.
To Selfridge’s, changed grater. Paid electricity bill. Lois to lunch, ravioli strawberries (tinned) and cream. Then to Shell–Max show, Conduit Street and Fine Art Society (Steer) and Wildenstein‘s – drawings. Ingres. Supper at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Northwood by 6.55 (Phil had been to Blennerhassett).
BHN on charge 7 p.m. – 23rd.
Blackbird very tame, feeding 2 young ones (found a young blackbird dead).
Thursday 21st May 1953
Warm.
Wrote Nellie Moir. Phone Lois. Alys and Phil packed. I gardened. Mrs Hill, pork joint. Alys and Phil away about 2. Took Mrs Hill to High Street. I to Vincent’s. Got 7/6 worth of plants. To Cook’s re. BHN fender. Put in some plants. Polished bumpers of BHN. Eva phoned. “Adélaïde Bartlett – chloroform”, “now it’s all over”.
Friday 22nd May 1953
Very warm, some showers.
To Dr Baker’s 9 a.m. Ear syringed. To High Street, bap, Idris.. Home then at 11 to town. 119 Bickenhall Mansions, lunch. To Bourne & Hollingsworth, Finnigan‘s, Cramer’s (re. bamboo). Blennerhassett at 2.45. Tooth stopped. Evans. 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Radio out of order. Rest. Whizard’s. Supper. T.S. Eliot on “Vergil and the Christian World”, “The Sweetest Wine Makes the Sharpest Vinegar”, Turgenev.
Saturday 23rd May 1953
Warm, fine.
Up at 7 and to Northwood by 9.34. To Cook’s. Bumper mended. Home in BHN. Brett came 10.30 till 2, 7/–. I gardened and to shops after lunch. Made fruit salad. Watered both lawns with hose, after Verdone put on by Phil, Tuesday. “The Farmer’s Wife”.
Memo:
22nd Dr Baker.
Phil to Rigg’s 21st, James Campbell 22nd. Alys to Molly‘s.
Vincent‘s for plants.
22nd Kit to Deal for fortnight. Mrs Bearcroft p.m. on Thursday. 2.45. Blennerhassett, Tate.
Tit still using coconut for sleeping – 8.30 p.m.
Sunday 24th May 1953
Very hot.
Washed things. Tried on old summer frocks. Sewed black hat with brim. Mended black belt. Omelette, ice cream. Defrosted Fridge. Machined old black coat, to make more “boxy”. Cold bacon and fruit salad. “Lazarus”, Obey 6.30 – 8.30.
Monday 25th May 1953
Very hot. Over 80°F (89°F Home Counties)
Various sewings. Took BHN off charge and put it outside.
Tuesday 26th May 1953
Very fine.
Up at 6.30. 8.52 to Baker Street. Got milk and baps. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To 11 Chandos Street – coach with 19, B.A.A. to Sutton Place – Duke of Sutherland. Lunch Eashing Farm Restaurant, Guildford. To Petworth House – Egremont. Stanary cellars. Tea Swan Hotel, Petworth. Chandos Street 8 p.m. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 8.20. Supper. Phoned Phil.
Wednesday 27th May 1953
Heavy rain.
To Ferns, to Rowney’s (fabric paint). To Dunn’s, bought hat. To Bourne & Hollingsworth; to Lewis’ – denim and rayon taffeta. Lunch at Club 3/–, Miss Calthrop. Rest at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Electricians did radiator. 5.24 to Northwood. Alys there. Phil Blennerhassett. Supper – Alys and I sardines. Henry versus Clements Hammond. “King Henry the Fifth”, Clements, Hammond.
28th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 28th May 1953
Very fine.
Talked to Phil about Grimsby then he to help Wiz and Alys took me to station. To Bicky, getting milk and bread on way. Pork loaf (Dutch) for lunch. Plumber up re. radiator tap. To Blennerhasset 3.30. He kept both dental plates (I wore 2nd upper one). To shops. Slowly home. On bed, play. Soup and flakes, cheese pudding with egg on it. All soft as no teeth.
Friday 29th May 1953
Fair. Fine later.
Wrote Elsa and Frank Archer. To Blennerhassett at 11.15 for plates. Walked to Parliament Square seeing decorations, the Mall. 59 bus back. Lunch. Back to Northwood 2.48 train. Mrs Bearcroft at 12. (Alys and Phil gone to Aldeburgh, Molly‘s house). In BHN to High Street, Allen’s and Jones‘, seeds at William’s. Hair trim by Miss Wells. Tied up plants to stakes.
Saturday 30th May 1953
Fair, windy.
Letter from Sissie to Alys. So In BHN to see Sissie at 2.30. Brett came 10 – 1. I High Street to get bap at 10.30. Called on Louie Barnard at 55 Langland Drive but out. Left note. Gardened 5.30 – 7, front. “The Importance of Being Ernest”.
Memo:
27th Laundry.
25th Cheque to B.A.A. – Sent 27th to Ruffer.
20th B.A.A. Petworth and Sutton Place. Chandos Street 10 a.m. Leave house 8.30.
28th 3.30 Blennerhasset.
29th Alys and Phil – Aldeburgh. 11.15 Blennerhassett.
31st 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Hillary and Sherpa Tensing reached summit of Everest 29th.
BHN charging 3rd 12 o’clock.
Sunday 31st May 1953
Windy, cool.
Gum blister, so soft food all day. Only to post. Knorr veal and mushroom soup, and ice cream. Tidied room for Mrs Bearcroft. Rested. Had bread and milk 6 o’clock. At 6.45 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Made semolina cheese pudding. “Commonwealth Gala” and also Service at Saint Paul’s.
Monday 1st June 1953
Cold, fair.
To Franklin House, Craven Street. Draw of the Derby sweep. Sir Campbell and Wing Commander Wynyard-Wright. I drew horses’ names from hat. Then soup and brioche at Green Lizard. To Blennerhassett who altered plate. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions – bread and cheese. Back to Northwood by 3.30. Letter from Alys. In BHN to seek bread, none anywhere. Sausage, bacon, mashed potatoes and ice cream.
Tuesday 2nd June 1953
Very cold. Heavy showers.
Coronation day. All day listening to Coronation. Ironed and cut out black dupion coat. Made roles with old yeast from U.S.A. (no bread). “The Coronation Service”, at 8, “Sir Winston Churchill”, Prime Minister 8.55, “Her Majesty the Queen” 9.
Wednesday 3rd June 1953
Cold North wind.
Cozy stove again. BHN to High Street. Bread and kippers. Mrs Bearcroft (instead of yesterday). Met Mrs Hill. Lunch baked cod. Planted crocosmia from Hill’s. To Overend re. Frigidaire. Letter from Frank Archer with Jim‘s Oxford Verse book. Paul Claudel “Hommage à l’Angleterre”, “The Quest of the Holy Grail”, “In All Directions”, Ustinov and Jones. “Now it’s over ….. Gilbert Harding”, James Robertson Justice.
Pinza (Gordon Richards) won Derby. Aureole 2nd (Queen).
Took BHN off charge 10 and put JLN on charge 10 hours.
Thursday 4th June 1953
Finer and a little milder.
Did up “Campbell’s Kingdom” and wrote James also letter with 20/– note. To Post Office and sent it off and egg-boxes. To Bank. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned sitting rooms. I began packing bag and wrote Sissie and Frank Archer. Defrosted Fridge. Fish pie, macaroni, tomatoes. To Rex 4.30 News and film of Coronation and “Turn the Key Softly”. Wire from Alys from Grimsby. Kit phoned re. 18th. “Gala of Variety Shows”, “Star-Spangled Salute”.
Ashridge
Friday 5th June 1953
Fair.
Met Mrs Hill. Then met Lois 12.30 (after petrol). Lettercard to Alys. At 2.30 Lois and I in BHN to Ashridge. About monks’ garden. Tea 4.30. Rooms 79 and 80. Talked Admiral Boyd. Dinner. Address by Sir Denis, and then Professor Newall. Group 7 Conference Office – 7men and 2 women.
Saturday 6th June 1953
Fair, but cold.
9 Chapel, 9.30 excellent talk John Parr, U.M.C. Discussion group after lunch cricket match. 5.15 The Far East, G.F. Hudson. Maps. Discussion group. Dinner 7.30. General discussion at 8.30 till 9.30. Talk with Winifred Lamb. Watched drawing and television. To bed 12.
Memo:
1.45 Blennerhassett.
1st 12.30 36 Craven Street – sherry party and Derby draw. Kit to Sylvia for 10 days.
2nd Coronation Elizabeth II.
3rd Alys and Phil to Grimsby.
5th At Ashridge – British American Association to 8th. Meet Lois at 12.30.
5th James’ 16th birthday.
Alys at 119 Bickenhall Mansions 9th.
I at 119 Bickenhall Mansions 10th.
Sunday 7th June 1953
Cold. Dull.
Chapel 9.30. At 10.30 Captain Gordon took us over place. Well, paper burnt 280 foot. Walked rhodedendrons. At 12.20 to Gordon’s. Barbara, husband and month old son. Dachshund puppy. 2, Sir Reader Bullard – Middle East. Discussion 5.15. Paul Shay, West Germany. No group. 8.20 Discussion. Television, music records U.S.A.
Monday 8th June 1953
Dull, cold. Sunny p.m.
Off with Lois in BHN and left at 9. Northwood 10 (via Bushey! She train to Finchley Road. I home. Mrs Bearcroft there. Then shops – bread, haddock, cream. Mrs Hill, sausages and gooseberries. Dresses from Elsa. Alys and Phil from Aldeburgh at 3.30. Phil phoned for appointment, Price Thomas. “Death in Captivity”, play.
Tuesday 9th June 1953
Fine, warm.
Letter from a Harriet Monkhouse re. U.S.A. visit. Took Alys and Phil to Moor Park in BHN. Later to meet Mrs Hill. Mrs Bearcroft here, sitting-room. Phoned Blennerhassett and Elsa and Harriet Monkhouse. Laundry. Phil to Sir Clement Price Thomas, bronchoscopy. Alys to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Gardened. Man re. Fridge. “Emperor and Galilean” by Ibsen (Julian Emperor).
Wednesday 10th June 1953
Fine, warm.
Mrs Bearcroft instead of Thursday. Alys and Eva at 12.40. Eva tried Elsa’s frock. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 1.17. To Blennerhassett at 3. Tea. “Bourne & Hollingsworth and Fern’s and Selfridge’s. To see “Elizabeth is Queen” at Classic 2/1. Supper. “An Inspector Calls”, Priestley.
Thursday 11th June 1953
Rain.
Phone talk with Phil. Wrote Elsa with cheque £10 for 3 frocks. To Webster re. train Kings Lynn. To National Provincial Bank. Bus 2 to Vauxhall Bridge. To Tate Gallery. Show of Graham Sutherland‘s pictures. Also saw Sargent’s heads of Poz and Doz for ”Carnation”. Spoke to Gerhardt on steps of Tate, and took her to tea at Club. Rain. Buses all awry with traffic. So soaked. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Supper. 7.36 and Colliver Fisher. “Special Journey – Journey into Darkness”, Blinded New Zealand soldier 8.30. To Mrs Hutchinson’s with 3 ivory brushes for her stall (Conservatives).
Friday 12th June 1953
Fair, dry.
Phil to Dr Baker for warts to be frozen. Talk with Phil in my room re. U.S.A. Mrs Hill, hot mutton. Alys took us to station 1.48. Phil and I to town. He to get bamboo for Dudley‘s boat. I to 11 Chandos Street, general meeting. Paper on Hermits and Anchorites by Miss Clay. Home. Supper. To Odeon Tottenham Court Road “A Queen is Crowned”, Rank, very good and “No Escape” too. 73 to Hyde Park Corner (at 12.5). Walked Buckingham Palace. Lights out! Last bus (No. 2) gone. Taxi home 3/ – at 12.30 – 40. Roll and cheese.
Saturday 13th June 1953
Got tickets. Cleaned flat a bit ready for Berry‘s. To Northwood by 11.47. Phil doing Dudley‘s boat rigging, varnished bamboo spars. Alys did cutlets and tomatoes. Teddy and Eva (and Dougal) to tea and took Layton carpet back. Cold bacon and strawberries and cream. “The Reaping”, Joan Brampton.
Memo:
10th Blennerhasset 3.
8th Back from Ashridge a.m.
12th B.A.A. 4.15.
9th Fridge till 6 p.m. Phil to Sir Clement Price Thomas.
14th and 15th nights Teddy and Eva at 119 Bickenhall Mansions for Naval Review.
Eva and Teddy at 119 Bickenhall Mansions (for Naval Revie
Sunday 14th June 1953
Dull.
Phil to help Wiz to move “factory” and back 7.30 with Wiz to supper. Alys to give the Mink’s a lunch at Piccadilly Hotel. I altering Elsa‘s frocks. Wrote Elsa and postcard to Lois. Teddy and Eva in after tea, on way to Bicky (told Teddy I’d give £30 and lend £30 towards cesspool).
Monday 15th June 1953
Sun and storm.
Phil in bed till lunch. Mrs Bearcroft (with scalded arm) cleaned Eve‘s room. I took Dougal to shop to buy raw meat. Mrs Hill, cold meat and gooseberry tart. Phil in hut p.m. I cut grasses with blade. Phil did Dudley‘s boat. Eve came. Thunderstorm. Listened to “Coronation Review of the Fleet” and fly past.
Tuesday 16th June 1953
Sun and showers.
Alys took Eve to school. Phil varnished spars and got 9.1 town. Wrote Sissie. Mrs Hill, duck and green peas. Phil back 1.40. Brett and Brigeon. I cut grass. Machined. Teddy and Eva at 5.30; told about Naval Review. Took Eva and Dougal home. Phil with Baker’s to Television at Comedy Theatre.
Wednesday 17th June 1953
Dull. Showers heavy.
Walked (battery out) to 10.17 and to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Got Lynn tickets. To Club. “Harry” (Harriet) Monkhouse to lunch there. Talked of Chubbs and U.S.A. To Selfridge’s, got nylon overalls. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. 4.2 to Northwood. Colliver Fisher up. Alys and Phil packed Phil’s suitcases, and Phil wrote letters. Cold duck and strawberries. Phil in to say goodbye to Cattle’s.
BHN on charge 24 hours 17th and 18th.
Syngman Rhee let 25,000 Korean prisoners go.
Thursday 18th June 1953
Bright periods, dry.
Alys and Phil off to Grimsby (Phil) and Lincoln (Alys) at 11.20. Mrs Bearcroft doing spare room. Mrs Hill came. I to 12.5 (BHN) and lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Kitty came 2.15. We both to Northwood. She rested. I did flowers. Kitty slept till nearly 6. Window cleaner. Kath and Handy rang up. Big lobster for supper (8/6) brought by Kit from Deal. Teddy rang up. Cesspool only £35. He not going till September 15th.
Friday 19th June 1953
Dull. A shower.
Alys phoned from 119 Bickenhall Mansions. I took Kitty to 10.17 train, and she to lunch with Alys. I to get bap, and to Bank. Then met Mrs Hill, baked fish. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen. Wrote Teddy with cheque £35 for cesspool. Alys back about 5.30. I altered black nylon overall. “The 7th Burma Reunion”.
Saturday 20th June 1953
Very dull. Mild.
Alys read me letter from Phil; very good. She to shops. I sewed. Sausages. Alys to Marion Berry’s school party. I altering my nylon seersucker overall and Elsa’s frock. Alys back 6 and rested. Kippers and strawberries and cream. We both weeded in garden. “Gallows Glorious”, Ronald Gow, John Brown – McKechnie.
Memo:
17th 12.45 Club “Harry” Monkhouse.
17th Flinders Petrie Centenary Lecture. Glanville – University College 5.30.
18th Kitty for night. Phil, Grimsby.
Sunday 21st June 1953
Dull, mild.
Quiet day. Made petticoat. Alys washed. Wrote Elsa re. U.S.A. and Harry Monkhouse. Sausages. Alys and I to post only as exercise! Packed for King’s Lynn. “Jane Eyre”, “Miss Horniman at the Gaiety” (Manchester).
King’s Lynn
Monday 22nd June 1953
Heavy. Hot. Fine evening.
Pains. Alys to see off Mink’s to Canada. I in Colliver Fisher to 10.35, and to Liverpool Street Station. 12.24 to King’s Lynn, arrived 3.11. Jack Willis. Sandwich lunch. To Globe Hotel, rooms 14, 55. To St Margaret’s Church. To Town Hall. Wonderful vases, 13th century. Tea there. Mayor. To see houses in courtyards. Watchtower. Square in p.m.
Tuesday 23rd June 1953
Rain till 4, then fine.
9.30 started to East Barsham Manor House, Great Snoring Rectory, The Slipper Chapel, Binham Priory. Great Walsingham church. Lunch. Wells-next-the-Sea. Holkham Hall (Earl of Leicester), Hunstanton Hall (burnt). Tea Hunstanton, Golden Lion. South Creake Church (very like Roman Catholic). Dinner 7.50. Walked around Lynn.
Wednesday 24th June 1953
Dull. Fairer later.
Postcard to Alys of hotel. 9.30 to Tilney All Saints, Terrington Street. Clement, Walpole St Peter (coffee at Rectory). Mayor Sandall and his house. West Walton Church. Lunch 1.30 Rose and Crown, Wisbech. Walsoken. Emneth (Baby Hewer tomb remains). Beaupre. Tea, Peckover House, Mr Woodgate.
Thursday 25th June 1953
Fine, perfect.
Card from Phil, Cleethorpes! 9.15 to Castle Rising keep, church (St Lawrence). Almshouses, steeple beaver hats with string. 11.15 Houghton Hall (outside only). 12.45 lunch at Fakenham, Red Lion. Market. North Elmham Saxon cathedral earthworks 673 AD. St Mary’s. 4 Tittleshall Coke monument. Tea, Rectory garden. Brownies. After dinner to St Nicholas in Lynn.
Friday 26th June 1953
Fine.
To Middleton Tower, Mr Ramsden (deaf). 11 Castle Acre Priory, very good guide – took Queen Mary up. Lunch, George Hotel, Swaffham. Oxburgh Hall, Lady Bedingfield (Sir Edmund at Ashridge). Wellington Hall – Mr and Mrs Luddington, very nice. Tea on lawn. Cold coffee, ice cream. Ghost. Home 7.30. After dinner to quay. Met Jack there.
Northwood
Saturday 27th June 1953
Cool then hot.
Packed before breakfast. Lois sent off parcel, and we met everyone at 10, Red Mount Chapel in “Walks”. To Custom House and St George’s Hall (Shakespeare). Cool. Lunch 12, Duke’s Head. Taxi 3.18 with Tanner and Tonochy! 4.50 Liverpool Street Station. At Northwood by 5.45 about. Taxi home. Roses lovely. Alys, a flat in Aldeburgh. Soused herrings, strawberries and cream! “Two Dozen Red Roses”. Churchill to rest a month.
Memo:
23rd Laundry.
22nd to 27th B.A.A. Congress at King’s Lynn, Globe Hotel. Liverpool Street 12.24 arrive 3.11.
27th 12 lunch at Duke’s Head. Taxi 1 o’clock. 1.18 train.
Sunday 28th June 1953
Dull. Fair.
Weeded, cut off roses. Captain Peter Churchill “Personal Story – Solitary”. Cold bacon and lettuce. 2.50 “The Mollusc” Hubert Henry Davies. Cecil Rhodes “Colossus”, Howard Marion-Crawford.
Monday 29th June 1953
Fine, warm, windy.
Sorted newspapers. Wrote Kitty. Mrs Bearcroft here. Some gardening. Corned beef, red rice. Mrs Hill, gooseberry fool. Wrote Hatfield re. chair. At 4.30 “Libel” by Edward Wooll, very good. Our own little strawberries. “Henry James and H.G. Wells”.
Tuesday 30th June 1953
Fine. Windy.
Brigeon came. Mrs Bearcroft, Alys’ room. I took Alys to Moor Park at 9. She by Liverpool Street to Aldeburgh. High to High Street and bank. After lunch 2.45, to Baldwin’s. Miss Wells hair trim. Brett came. Planted Given‘s lettuces. Mrs Cattle in re. Brett. “That Arch-Liar Froude, Hurstfield. “Tis Pity She’s a Whore”, John Ford.
Wednesday 1st July 1953
Fair. Cooler.
Hatfield came re. chair 35/– estimate. I got strawberries and cream. Met Mrs Hill. Gardened. Cheese pudding. Tennis, Wimbledon. Seixas and Rose. Henley. Sewed pocket grey art-silk frock. Alys at 6. To meet her Moor Park (from Aldeburgh).
3rd Verdone on plantains.
Seixas (gracious) men’s single beat Rose (men’s semifinal).
Maureen Connolly champion. Hugh and Rosewall – men’s doubles.
Thursday 2nd July 1953
Dull, cool.
To Moor Park 10.50 to meet Eva and take Dougal back; got meat. Buttered eggs and gooseberry pie. Listened tennis. Rose and Seixas. In garden 2 hours or so weeding. To get cream, with Dougal at 5. Strawberries and cream supper. “Special Duty – Surgery by Radio”, 8.30.
Friday 3rd July 1953
Dull then finer and warm.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions, and on to 4 St James’s Square – Arts Council, to see Westminster Tombs photos. Lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Back to Northwood and on bed, listening tennis Finals. Alys fetched Eve and after tea I took them to station and they to Liverpool Street station and Aldeburgh. I with Dougal to post lettercard to Alys for her birthday, 69th. Cut finger.
Saturday 4th July 1953
Fine. Sultry.
Did some gardening p.m. In BHN to get gruyère. Listened Wimbledon – Rose and Hartwig versus Rosewall and Hoad. Walked to get cream and picked lots of our tiny strawberries. Planted spring onions. “The Happy Prisoner”, Monika Dickens.
Memo:
1st Hatfield 10 – 10.30.
3rd ? Kit for night?
30th Alys Aldeburgh.
3rd Eva and Teddy to Sherborne.
3rd Alys and Eve to Aldeburgh (and Phil on from Grimsby).
2nd 10.56 Moor Park, Dougal.
4th Hatfield for chair, p.m. late?
BHN on charge 8th – 9th.
Sunday 5th July 1953
Very hot and fine.
Immersion heater off. Wrote Eva a cheque £10. Blennerhasset £4.4.0 and rent Bicky £41.17.4. Cut roses (with sunshade). Alys phoned – not coming till 6th. Watered lettuces. To post with Dougal. “A View of the Sink – The Queen‘s Generation”, Jacobine Hichens. “Return to Atlantis”, Louis MacNeice.
Monday 6th July 1953
Shower then fine.
Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. I to get lemon sole and meet Mrs Hill and took Dougal a walk, gravel pits. At 3, Alys phoned and I met her and Eve at Post Office. Eva in CUC to tea. Raspberries and cream. Eva and Eve and Dougal away 6.45. “Lord Cammarleigh’s Secret”, Horniman. Wrote Phil.
Tuesday 7th July 1953
Fair, windy.
Did laundry. Alys to have hair done. Mrs Bearcroft, curtains from loft. Took yachting papers to Post Office. Got pen refill. Rest. Gardened (Brett scythed orchard). Grilled herrings, grapefruit, blackcurrant from Cattle’s in hut.
Wednesday 8th July 1953
Fine.
To High Street in BHN and to get petrol, oil. Mrs Hill, liver and onions. Lettercard to Lois. Did gardening 5 – 7. Alys and I did redcurrants and picked sweet peas. Phil phoned in evening.
Cattle’s away to Yorkshire.
Thursday 9th July 1953
Sun and heavy showers.
Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. Brigeon. Eva to lunch (after dentist). I see Sissie in BHN. Heavy showers. Left her at 4 and to 55 Langland Drive, called on Louisa Barnard (Miller) (Kate’s 3rd cousin). Tea there. She 83, very nice. Home by 5.30. Gardened. Chair back from Hatfield 35/–.
Friday 10th July 1953
Fair, warm.
To Bank re. Bonds. In BHN to Eastbury Road. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. By 1 bus to to get coffee and via Selfridge’s (Danes in bus) – paid account. Lunched, egg and bacon. At 2.30 R.B.A. (Royal Society of British Artists) Galleries. Leslie Kent, Alf Palmer (memorial), Hesketh Hubbard. Gladys Young unable to open it! Home. Alys had Mrs Shuttleworth to tea. Painted gimp on chair. Hatfield phoned. Kippers and raspberry and currant juice.
Saturday 11th July 1953
Cool, greyish.
Rheumatism in back all day re. planted scented geraniums. Alys to Horse Show (Eve there). I looked up War Bonds. 2 matinèes (“The Question of Latin“) Guy de Maupassant, H.N.P. Sloman, and “The Young Leonardo”, Terry Newman. In front garden. Bloaters, strawberries and cream. “The Corn is Green”, Emlyn Williams Gladys Young.
Memo:
7th Laundry.
5th Wrote Phil.
6th Eva‘s birthday, 43, sent £10 cheque for both- 5th Teddy’s.
9th Chair from Hatfield 35/–.
12th To Lois‘ 6-ish.
3rd Test 14th. Air Review 15th.
Sunday 12th July 1953
Rain most of day.
Still stiff with rheumatism but better. Wrote Louise Barnard and to post. Alys boiled bacon. Sewed Ella‘s grey skirt (lengthened) and made 2 pillowcases of old sheet. Cold mince and peas and salad. At 5.30 Alys drove us to Lois in JLN. Laurie there. Chicken (tinned) supper, stewed plums and currants and cream and Victoria sponge. Home by 9.30.
Monday 13th July 1953
Showers and sun, cool.
Alys to town all day. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. I sorted newspapers. At 3 in BHN to Eva‘s. Over house to see improvements. Eve in 5. Tea. Back at 7 taking gentian, scabiosa and bush lupin. Strawberries and cream. “Brighton Rock”, Graham Greene.
Tuesday 14th July 1953
Thunder showers and not sun.
Mrs Bearcroft. I did up and posted Omniped to Eva, and plant to F. Streeter B.B.C. I fetched Mrs Hill. In p.m. sewed blouses and a little in garden between showers. Listened into 3rd Test Match. Thrilling, though a draw.
Wednesday 15th July 1953
Fine day.
Brett came (as wet Tuesday) Mrs Hill. Alys took her with us to Chorleywood, 2.30 – 4. Saw Air Force going over from Leavesden (near Watford) to Odiham to Review by the Queen. Marvellous sight. Gardened.
Thursday 16th July 1953
Fair, showers.
Mrs Bearcroft. Wrote Kitty. At 11.15 started for Ford’s, Alys leading. They inspected BHN 545 free, 12 –12.45. We drove home. Lunch at 1.30. Alys to Cook’s with JLN. Brigeon came. I got petrol and oil and raspberries and cream – Hawkin’s man for Phil‘s casin. “Helena”, Evelyn Waugh – Flora Robson (search for the Cross), Constantine – Gielgud.
Friday 17th July 1953
Fair.
Alys to get our new Emergency coupon pages. In BHN to Baron’s for Webbs lettuces, and to Bank and Poppy’s. Mrs Hill, steak and peas. In p.m., pinned frill on little juvion coat and then in garden 4.30 till 7.15. Byron‘s parody of Southey’s vision – “Vision of Judgment”. End of “Day of the Triffids”, John Wyndham.
Saturday 18th July 1953
Thunder and sun.
Alys to shops. I gardened. Rest. Two matinèes – “East Wind”, Freeman Wills Crofts. I in BHN to take coupons to High Street butcher but shut. “Come Live With Me”, Polish pianist, Naru Munro by Dorothy and Campbell Christie.
Memo:
Mrs Bearcroft, my room 13th. To Eva‘s to tea.
12th To Lois to supper.
16th 12 o’clock, Dagenham, Ford.
15th Air display, Coronation Review.
22nd River pageant – Coronation.
King George V Gold Cup. Foxhunter, Llewellyn.
BHN on charge 20th.
JLN on charge 22nd.
Sunday 19th July 1953
Fine a.m. Dull p.m. and windy.
In garden, reading and uprooting monbretia, soldiers and sailors (pulmonarias) in shady bed. Rested in p.m. Barbara to tea and supper and sat on terrace (tongue salad, raspberries and junket). I cut boughs. “West Point Painter”, Whistler.
Monday 20th July 1953
Muggy, windy.
Alys in JLN to station for Charing Cross and Walmer. I drover JLN back. Put BHN charge. Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ room. Mrs Hill, steak, our own rhubarb. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 2.30. To High Street, Marylebone – Boots Library and Gayler (black silk) and Paul’s (stop watch).Cleared larder a bit. “Caste” and missed Ustinov.
Tuesday 21st July 1953
Fine.
Cleared bathroom and kitchen with “Handmaid”. To Northwood by 1.15. Brett 2 – 5. I on bed, as very tired. Did a little tying up in garden. “Gryll Grange”, Thomas Love Peacock till 11.25.
Wednesday 22nd July 1953
Heavy showers. Very muggy.
To High Street for bap 9.30. Defrosted Fridge. Met Mrs Hill. Cheese pudding. Took Mrs Hill to Northwood Hills and then on to Sissie’s via Daws Road, Wise Road, Nether Street. Back at 5 via Bunns Road. Unpicked bags (zip wrong). Bacon on toast. “Roger Bannister”. Foxhunter 3rd Time running!
24th 119 Bickenhall Mansions – NO HOT WATER!
Blackbird song 25th 8.15 till 8.30.
25th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 23rd July 1953
Fine, windy.
Mrs Bearcroft. I to High Street for kippers and got strawberries 4/-! Last ones! and cream. 2 hard eggs and salad. Wrote to Nellie Moir and Phil. Alys arrived on foot (I expected ring from Moor Park) at 5.10. Much to hear re. Kitty and flat at Deal. “The Archaeologist”, excavation in Anglesey – megalithic tomb, Barclodiad y Gawres.
Friday 24th July 1953
Warm, fine.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To 17 Old Bond Street 2.15. Mary Cassatt show, Marlborough Gallery. Lois there (Iris Collier, deaf, very pretty hat). To Eva’s – patterns 8/3. Home. On bed. “The Green Sailors”. Supper. Spaghetti and tomato soup. Everest men talked “Everest 1953”, 8 – 9.
Saturday 25th July 1953
(no weather)
Out to buy oats, sardines and to Whizard’s 12/6 battery and 6d battery. To Chandos Street. Coach at 10 to St Stephen’s (St Albans). Then lunch at Brown Owl, St Albans. I to Abbey, to St Michael’s (I twice!), Wheathampstead (Dalmatian book). Tea, Rose & Crown, Sandridge and Parish Church. Baker Street at 7.30. Slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Memo:
20th Alys to Kit at Walmer.
21st Laundry.
23rd Alys back from Walmer.
24th Cassatt.
25th Eve here. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
25th Chandos Street at 10 B.A.A. St Albans – Churches.
25th Alys fell and cut head and strained foot.
Armistice signed in Korean – Panmunjom, 29th.
Mr Eden back from U.S.A. (operation, gall-bladder).
Sunday 26th July 1953
Fine and showers.
Washed clothes. Alys phoned (had had a fall so couldn’t meet me). 11.30 to Northwood. Colliver Finsher. Alys plaster on head, strained ankle. Eve there. Lunch (Alys down). To Mrs Hill’s in BHN. Rest. Picked sweet peas. Eve seeking ants eggs for gold-fish.
Monday 27th July 1953
Showers and sun.
Alys slept till past 10. Dr Baker’s – blue pills. I to get ham for lunch and met Mrs Hill. Eva to lunch (in CUC) and Dougal. Eve home with her at 2.30. Rested. Cold bacon and raspberries and cream. Phoned Lois re. Mrs Tanner’s letter. Read Kit’s to Alys. “The Ebb-Tide”.
Tuesday 28th July 1953
Fine.
Alys in JLN to shops. Ankle still stiffish. Dr Baker to see Alys. I to shops and post egg-boxes High Street. Mrs Hill came – fried fish and chips. Rest in p.m. Brett came. Sewed my old black bag to Eve’s dragon. Strawberries and cream!
Wednesday 29th July 1953
Dark, fair.
Plantains growing again. Sewed bag. In BHN to Hudson’s for tongue at 2.30. Brigeon came. Verdone on plantains. Alys to Dr Baker at 8 with query. Reassured.
Thursday 30th July 1953
Fair.
Planted cyclamen (Edward’s) and geraniums out. To High Street for bap. Alys away in JLN about 11, for Aldeburgh. I got petrol and distilled water. Lunch, hot mince. Kitty rant up from Madge’s flat (en route for Ramley). I on bed. “Murderer at Large”. Machine black frill on coat. “My Landlord is a Rat”, Julie Orde. Queer.
Friday 31st July 1953
Rain.
9.9 train to Baker Street (dying hedgehog on way). 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Christie’s, St James’s Place. Auction at 11 – 1 – all pictures and frames. Teddy’s Stöcklin fetched 18 guineas. Home to lunch. Rest. To Fern’s, coffee 11.8. Rest. To Whizard’s re. Mervyn, little radio wrong again. “Adlai Stevenson”.
Saturday 1st August 1953
(no weather).
Up early to Whizard’s. Got new battery and bread. To Northwood. Out in BHN for fruit, Dylon. Bates came re. estimate painting hut. Lunch. Picked strawberries (little) and sweet peas. “The Middle Watch”, King-Hall, Ian Hay.
Memo:
Phil’s weekend? 1st Mrs Bearcroft’s holidays.
30th Alys to Aldeburgh.
31st Write Kit at George’s.
Alys bed and breakfast at ? Phil at Molly’s 31st.
C. Stöcklein 1774 signed and dated.
5th Slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions (Alys home).
Sunday 2nd August 1953
Fine.
Washed things. Teddy, Eva, Eve and Dougal in CUC and trailer – brought bed and table and pail and basket. Took chair (cane and mahogany). After lunch at 2.20, I in BHN to Sissie, via Wise Lane. At 4.15 on to Lois to tea. Agnes Rush and lan Blaikley there. Home by 6.15. Sardines, coffee and ice cream. “Odyssey, Deep South”, Stillwell, “The Story of Curare”, H. Collier.
Monday 3rd August 1953
Fine.
Cut out gret denim skirt. Washed vests. Sewed little black coat corners. Read “Ebb Tide”. Curried tinned steak. In garden, sweet peas and tying up and cutting down. Talk Mr Cattle, “bud drop”. St. John Ervine’s “Anthony and Anna”. Slept through it.
Tuesday 4th August 1953
Fair, fine.
Mrs Bearcroft (back from holiday) did Alys’ room. I to High Street and Hudson’s (gammon 11/6, 2lb) and Agents re. “The Coppice”. Bows on shoes, in p.m. and Alys arrived from Aldeburgh at 4. Talked. “Tow Wire Connected”. “Just Fancy”, Joyce Carey 1st round. “Return to Naples”, Henry Reed.
Wednesday 5th August 1953
Fair, mild.
To Baker Street about 1; first to Harrison’s with clock (High Street, Marylebone). To Selfridge’s – bill and buckling. At 3 took Jewel radio to Derbin – 2/- including battery. Rest. Washed cloths. Out for cream but none. Supper, curried eggs. Phoned Alys re. James.
Thursday 6th August 1953
Dull, hot.
To Public Library. Got “Goths and Vandals”. To Handy’s shop. Bought “The 3 Clerks”, the Prime Minister, Rachel Ray, Trollope. Home via English Speaking Union and U.S. Housing. Mrs Eley re. barley flakes and onion flakes. Rest. To Northwood by 5. Alys in Green Lane. Rations, Kingham’s. Home. Rest. Supper. “20 Questions”, with Jean Metcalfe, Audrey Russell.
Friday 7th August 1953
Dull. Very warm.
Alys to get joint (pork). I in BHN to get kippers and fruit and vegetables – peas. To Degener’s for meringues 12 1/6 (cases only). Met Mrs Hill there. Home. Back for beer, and to Haverley’s re. chair. Picked sweet peas. Rest. (Phil “short-listed” for Ipswich). Alastair Cooke (“Letter from America”) and “Much-Binding”. Wrote Captain Gordon with 5/3 for Ashridge book and Fellowship.
Saturday 8th August 1953
Very fine. Hot.
To Northwood Hills for éclairs and High Street – cream and peas. Barbara came at 1 (Alys met her). Cold pork, peas, plum and apple. In hut (Barbara slept there) and on bed, rests. Under cherry tree tea 3 – 5. Soused herrings and meringues. Barbara away at 9.15. “Bella Donna”, Hichens’ book, Sonia Dresdel.
Memo:
4th Laundry.
5th James back from camp in Pembrokeshire.
7th Wrote Captain Gordon re. “Ashridge” book (“This is Ashridge” by Captain Henry Gordon, published 1949) for Lois.
12th 93°F in Leeds. 88°F in London, 89°F in Grimsby. 77°F London at midnight.
BHN on charge 9th – 10th, 24 hours.
Sunday 9th August 1953
Hot and fine.
Wrote Amy Steel to her new house. Went on with grey denim skirt. Read Desmond MacCarthy’s 2 stories. “The Mark on the Shutter” and “The Beer”. Picked sweet peas. To pillarbox. “Jane Eyre” and King Alfred “The Saviours” -England’s Darling”, Clemence Dane.
Monday 10th August 1953
Hot and fine.
Mrs Bearcroft early, did dining room. To meet Mrs Hill and get yoghurt. Munmion came with aerial for Cossor. Ironed skirt and did hem. Wrote Lucy Brewtnall. Alys to Eva’s at 5. I in to see Munmion at 6 re. 3rd programme on Cossor. Ngaio Marsh, “In All Directions”.
Tuesday 11th August 1953
Hot and fine.
Mrs Bearcroft did my room. I in BHN to High Street. Procea bread and peas. Brett at 1.30, and Brigeon a.m. Planned patterns in p.m. (poached egg on peas, lunch). Alys’ instep still swells when using foot too much. Primrose Hill in “The Name’s the Same
Wednesday 12th August 1953
Very, very hot. 90°F (93°F Leeds)
Alys to in shops and Mrs Hill and Page’s. I “swimmy” at breakfast-getting. On my bed most of a.m., reading “Mrs Martell”. Stuffed vegetables. Rest all p.m. Under tree in deck chairs. Picked sweet peas with stool! (77°F midnight in London).
5th Test Match began 15th. Hassett won toss for the 5th time.
Australia 275 1st innings.
Thursday 13th August 1953
Cooler. Fine.
To get bap early in BHN. Took dressing gown to Eastman’s. Mrs Hills’ runner beans and marrow (stuffed) lunch. Rest. Alys to Elizabeth’s and Eva and Eve and James all to tea (in hut) in CUC (dentist). Sewed names on Eve’s school things.
Friday 14th August 1953
Very fine.
BHN on charge 3½ hours. Alys to shops and Arnold’s. I defrosted Fridge. Wrote lettercard to Kitty at Walmer re. her move and Archer’s. Mrs Hill, tinned steak and kidneys. To Sissie via Daws Lane, and back by Bunns Lane (petrol at 2 at Northwood). Rest. Bacon and lettuce, yoghurt. Mountbatten spoke from Malta re. Ionian Islands’ earthquakes and Navy help.
Saturday 15th August 1953
Dull.
Ironed Sissie’s napkins and posted to her. Post Office, afternoon. Bates and another came before 9 a.m. and began painting hut (cut branches). Alys to shops. Did Mrs Bearcroft’s spinach. Test Match and rest in p.m. James came about 6 and stayed night. Sausages and peas and potatoes. Plums and pastry. “Service”, Dodie Smith. Reptiles, “Creatures of the Rio Grande”, Black widow, Horned toad.
Memo:
11th Private View R.W.S. 11 to 5.
17th Mrs Rothwell back?
Kitty to Deal (moves furniture in) 13th and 14th?
Teddy to Far East postponed Mid-September.
Hutton 82. England 235 (7 wickets) 17th.
Australia 2nd 162. All out for 306.
England won by 8 wickets. Ashes back!
Tenants for “The Coppice” fixed to take it 9 a.m. 7 guineas a week.
Sunday 16th August 1953
Very fine.
Cleared desk a bit and dusted. Alys took James to Moor Park for 12.6 train (gave him my collection of “ships” cigarette cards). Hard boiled eggs and lettuce, stewed greengages and whipped cream. Rest. “Northanger Abbey”, 3. Gardened 5 – 6.30. “Jane Eyre”. “A Chindit story”, crossing the Chindwin River 1944.
Monday 17th August 1953
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ bedroom. I to Bicky (Austrian teacher in train). To get Mervyn radio, paid £2.5.9 (two valves). Lunch, egg and lettuce. To Selfridge’s re. Ewbanks. To Fern’s. Back by 4. Test Match reports. Rest. “Professor Berhardi”, Arthur Schnitzler. “Captain Jan”.
Tuesday 18th August 1953
Fine.
Went through a lot of drawings and sketches in drawer and portfolio. Test Match reports, very thrilling. Australians all out 162 by 5.30 or so. Spaghetti lunch. Cleaned windowsill. Got the 4.26 to Moor Park. Alys met me. Listened to test (Arlott, Bernard Kerr (Aussie) till 6.30. In garden. After supper, both of us picked sweet peas (Alys on chair for high ones).
Wednesday 19th August 1953
Fine.
Wiseman (Bates’ son-in-law) finished painting hut by 3.30. Alys took JLN to Cook’s, and on to 119 Bickenhall Mansions for shopping. I walked to shops and met Mrs Hill. (BHN on charge). Listened to Test Match. England won by 8 wickets and got back the ashes. Made suspender belt. “Colombe”, Anouilh.
Alys slept 119 Bickenhall Mansions 19th – 20th.
Thursday 20th August 1953
Showers and sun.
Mrs Bearcroft, sitting-room. In BHN to High Street and Bank. Brigeon cut lawns. Finished suspender belt (holland). In garden. Alys home in JLN (from Cook’s). Wrote Nellie Moir. “On the High Road”, Chekhov (inn and tramps). “A High Wind in Jamaica” 1st part. Alys in 11.15 to say Phil shortlisted.
Friday 21st August 1953
Fair.
Alys to get meat and then to Watford. I to Poppy’s in BHN. Met Mrs Hill. Stew, runner beans (Mrs Hill’s). Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Phil‘s bedroom and kitchen. Picked sweet peas for Mrs Bearcroft, roses for Mrs Hill. Rests. Wrote Fern’s for coffee. Bloaters. Chair back from Haverly, 30/–. “Much-Binding”. Bertrand Russell on his undergraduate friends – “Portraits from Memory”.
Saturday 22nd August 1953
Fair. Cool. Windy.
To High Street (paid Haverly). Alys to Watford shops. Stew and peas. Alys to Sissie’s. I rest and then washed things, and gardened (plantains and tying up as very windy). Kippers. “London Assurance”.
Memo:
18th Laundry.
20th Renew book X56765 20th August.
Write Nellie this week.
22nd Alys to Aldeburgh. Cancel 20th as Phil comes Monday.
“London Assurance”, Boucicault.
Sunday 23rd August 1953
Rain all day. Cool.
Did dress accounts from ‘48 to ‘51 from diaries. Sausages in beef steak gravy, and Mrs Hills’ beans. (“Channel to Mediterranean”, Frank Gillard – Arles and Carmargue, flamingos). Did apple purée from our apples for supper; and scrambled eggs with bacon and peas.
Monday 24th August 1953
Fine (a shower).
Alys to shops. I did apples again. Mrs Bearcroft did sitting room. Picked sweet peas and roses. Finished dress account. Phil came at 5, from Grantham by train (in car from Grimsby to Grantham). Salmon. Talk and “In All Directions” at 9.30.
Tuesday 25th August 1953
Fine.
At 10, Phil to Liverpool Street station and Cambridge (lunch on train) for 3 p.m. interview. I to get meringues at Degener’s. Met Mrs Hill, and to Boots. Paid Alys’ 25/– and mine and 5/– for “Gods, Graves and Scholars”. Rest in p.m. Mrs Bearcroft. At 8.45, Phil phoned from Kings Cross – “I have got the job!” We met him 8.24. Supper and talk. Senior Registrar at Ipswich from October 1st for 3 years.
Wednesday 26th August 1953
Fine.
Phil away Kings Cross to Grantham and Jowett Javelin to Grimsby. Alys to shops, (taking Phil to station) and met Mrs Hill. Alys getting things in car JLN for Aldeburgh. Brett came, 12/6. Alys to Cattle’s. Rest, and in garden. Alys altered skirt. Read her Archer’s letters. Haddock. “Huis Clos”, Jean-Paul Sartre.
Thursday 27th August 1953
Fine.
Alys away to Aldeburgh in JLN about 10.30. I wrote Kitty with Archer letters, and Sissie with receipts and sent her cheque to McIver. Took apples to Elizabeth Herriot. Lunch. Mrs Bearcroft at 2. I to Bicky. Took ring to Barnard’s, Hatton Garden by 1 and 19 buses. Back by 18. Rang Lois.
Friday 28th August 1953
Fair, fine.
To get torch battery. To Library, paid electricity bill. To Herbal for five drops. Selfridge’s. Ordered Ewbank sweeper and bathettes. To Club, joined Cavendish Luncheon Club. Back for lunch, 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Cleaned up. 3.20 to Northwood. Walked up. BHN to get cream, lettuce. Wrote Nellie Moir. BHN to post at 6. Sweet peas. “The Flies”, (Fury) Sartre – Orestes and Electra.
Saturday 29th August 1953
Rain all day.
To get bap and tomatoes. Phoned Eva (last time at Great Missenden!) £7.7.0 by post for Eve school trunk. Stewed plums. Made broad waist belt on Marks & Spencer skirt, out of pocket stuff. “The Witness For the Defence”, A. E. W. Mason.
Memo:
24th Phil from Grimsby.
25th Phil to Cambridge (shortlisted).
28th Mrs Hill’s holiday till 5th.
Dressing gown from Eastman’s this week.
26th Clock ready?
29th Alys back from Aldeburgh.
Sunday 30th August 1953
Heavy rain; then fine and warm.
Heavy rain early. In garden – roses and apples. To Elizabeth and Charles and Neil (aged 2 years), 52 Kewferry to Tea. Sat in garden 4.15 – 6. Talk on Greek earthquakes.
Monday 31st August 1953
Fine, warm, windy.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. I to get bread and kippers and Devonshire‘s. At 12.35 met James and Eve and lunch on bridge 2/10 each. To Rex, “Malta Story”, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Flora Robson, 3/1 seats. Also, “Lions and Rugby”, (John Bentley, hero). Home to tea. To Moor Park 5.25. Ironed napkins and blouse. “In All Directions”.
Tuesday 1st September 1953
Fine, warm.
Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. I did laundry. To High Street. Brigeon cut lawns. Washed things. Did soused herrings and applesauce. Brett in p.m.,12/3. Telegram from Kit; wired unable go, suggested “16th perhaps”. Alys back 3.40 in JLN from Aldeburgh. Garden – picked roses, sweet peas.
Wednesday 2nd September 1953
Fine. Rain early.
To High Street, egg-boxes, bread. Alys to Watford. Eva, Eve and James to lunch in CUC. Wrote Kitty, suggesting 15th – 18th visit. Men brought ladders for painting house. Sir Edward Appleton‘s address – British Association, Liverpool.
(Edwards) Painters started painting outside of house.
Thursday 3rd September 1953
Fine, cool.
Alys to London (linoleum kitchen cupboard.). I to High Street and Bank. Mrs Bearcroft here. I made up 3 laundry bags for Eve for her school. Cambridge blue. Machined in dining room. Wrote Kath Buchanan.
Friday 4th September 1953
Fine, but showers.
House painters at 8.40 (H.W. Edwards). Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen. Alys to shops. Mince and peas. Cut out grey denim blouse. Rest. Garden. Alys to Eva at Rickmansworth at 5 – 7.30. I wrote Handy, photo of (query) Michael Faraday. To Herriot at 8 to “baby-sit”. Mr and Mrs Glyn-Jones there and they all to Quo Vadis at Ruislip.
Saturday 5th September 1953
Fine, warm.
House painters to 1. Alys to shops. Mince and peas. Rest. “Box and Cox”. Finished sewing Eve’s laundry bags. Eva and Teddy and Eve and James in CUC and trailer with trunks and cases. Trailer left here. “People at Sea”, Priestley.
Memo:
31st The Coppice let. Berry’s to Rickmansworth.
31st Membership of U.N.S.I. ends.
3rd Goths and Vandals removed till 1st or 3rd to September 29th.
30th 4 p.m. to Herriots.
Painting house 1st or 2nd for 2 weeks.
31st James and Eve – lunch and cinema.
4th Elizabeth Herriot – to babysit 8 – 11.
Sunday 6th September 1953
Fine, warm.
To The Drive, Rickmansworth in BHN (petrol and air first). Looked over Junior School with Teddy and Eva (gave Teddy £5 as Christmas present). Brought Dougal back. Alys cooked veal and celery, stuffing. Rest. Sewed. In garden – roses, sweet peas. “Phineas Finn”, “Another Art”, Indian art, The Pelican History of Art E. M. Forster on Rowland‘s book.
Monday 7th September 1953
Very fine and warm.
House painters 8.40. Eva phoned, Teddy‘s date postponed to 28th!!! Mrs Bearcroft here. Alys to shops. I walked to Boots with Dougal via bridge; and Caroline‘s. Mrs Hill came. I rested in hut as paint smell in bedroom. Garden. Alys to Watford for hinge but none. “Leviathan With An Hook”. Alys a slight cold.
Tuesday 8th September 1953
Very fine, warm.
Dougal diarrhoea. Painters here early. Mrs Bearcroft here. Alys took JLN to Cook’s and I in BHN. Alys had BHN. I walked home with Dougal via railway path. Grilled mackerel, parsley sauce. In p.m. Arnold‘s men came and took cupboards and chest of drawers for Alys flat, and moved bed. I painted long glass (in hut). Brett came. (Eva and Eve from Devonshire‘s, took Dougal back).
Wednesday 9th September 1953
Fair.
Alys to shops in BHN. Painters at 8.15. I painted mirror – 1 coat shiny. Mrs Hill, fish. Alys took me to Northwood Hills (Chater for bread). 2.30 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Debenhams & Freebody, ordered nylon beret. Clock from Morrison’s £2.0.0, Leyel for medicine. Unpacked A.B. trunk (Harrison).
Earthquake 400 killed. In Paphos in Cyprus.
Thursday 10th September 1953
Fair, colder.
Frank and Charles helped me to get trunk from attic. Took 10.22 Northwood. Painters there. Veal mince and beetroot leaves, like spinach. Painter put hinges on garage doors. Eva and Eve in on the way from dentist. Mrs Bearcroft at Ricky all day for Berry’s. Finished painting Alys’ looking-glass. “20 Questions”, “High Wind in Jamaica”.
Friday 11th September 1953
Fine.
Painters at 8.20. In BHN to Mrs Hill ask her early. At 10.45. Alys to London (Bible for Eve). James here. He and I to Bicky. Lunch 11.55 Forte’s. To Fern’s. To Rowney’s for inks for James. To Bicky. James carried A.B. trunk to Baker Street station. To Northwood. BHN up. Mrs Bearcroft there. Alys at 4.30. I took trunk to Bearcroft’s. Rest. Painters finished. Bertrand Russell on Joseph Conrad – “Portraits From Memory”.
Saturday 12th September 1953
Fine.
Cleaned and reshaped old grey felt hat. Scraped Alys’ looking glass with razor blade. Did flowers. Defrosted Frigidaire. Wrote for oatmeal to Murray. “Death Set to Music”, A. Armstrong. I with Alys in BHN to get JLN from Cook’s at 6. “The Secret Agent”, Conrad.
Memo:
10th Posting postponed till 28th (only heard on 1st September), Singapore.
11th With James to get trunk 119 Bickenhall Mansions (Eve, dentist).
10th Mrs Bearcroft to Eva at Ricky.
10th Sent glasses to Bruce Green. Took Special Essence.
“A very great man indeed”, Henry Reed – very good and funny.
Sunday 13th September 1953
Fair and some sun.
My 74th birthday. Greeting wire from Phil. Alys gave me Marconi set from Phil and her. Made apple purée, and cut and cooked beet tops for spinach, grilled sausages. Alys was very busy all day preparing for Berry’s. I wrote Phil and Kitty (postcard) and to Post Office in BHN. “Phineas Finn”, and “The Saviours: The Light of Britain”, Clemence Dane, (Elizabeth and Essex).
Monday 14th September 1953
Fine.
Took BHN to Cook’s for greasing. Had hair trim (opposite station). Alys to shops and Mrs Hill, cod, parsley sauce. Cleared hut. Sewed hat and blue satin front. “In the Shadow of the Cathedral”, Guy Rawlence. Teddy, Eve and James over with things. D. H. Lawrence’s “The Widowing of Mrs Holroyd”.
The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate 