In 1954, Kate is 75 years old and Alys is 70 years old. Eva is 45 years old and Philip is 41 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son). James is 16 years old (Eva and Teddy’s son) and Eve (Eva and Teddy’s’ daughter (my mother)) is 14 years old.
Personal Memoranda:
Name: Katharine Boyd
Address: 12 Grove Road
Northwood, Middx.
119 Bickenhall Mansions
Baker Street, W.1.
Tel No: Northwood 1355 Welbeck 6522
Motor Car No. BHN 545
Friday 1st January 1954
Fine. Frost a.m.
Washed “operation” stockings and socks. To High Street in BHN, mince. Met Mrs Hill. Brett 1 – 4, 10/6, pruned and tied up carpet. Posted form for Savings Certificates. Wrote air-letter to Amy Steel. “Sir James George Frazer” (Golden Bough) talk by Gilbert Murray. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 2nd January 1954
Fine a.m.
Page‘s man (and boy) at 8.40, and all a.m. doing leak, bathroom radiator. At 12.20 walked to Post Office with egg-box and cheque for car license. Sewed up carpet a bit. “Funiculi, Funicula”, 3.30. Slept on chair! Wilfred Pickles in “The Gay Dog”, Miners and greyhounds.
Memo:
Phil a cold and stayed with Alys all week.
2nd Page to inspect damp patch.
6th at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 3rd January 1954
Cold. Fair. Rain later.
Lettercard to Alys. Defrosted Fridge. Alys phoned re. James‘ visit. I called Eva. He also in bed with cold. Cold mince and salad. 2.8 train to Finchley Road. To Sissie at 60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue. 4.7 train back. Silver lace re-silvered. Finished sewing up carpet. End of ‘Clayhanger”.
Monday 4th January 1954
Cold. Fine.
Men to finish leaking joint. Mrs Bearcroft here, Alys’ bedroom. In BHN to station. Sent off carpet, paid 18/7. Got steak and tripe. Met Mrs Hill. After lunch, wrote Doris Freer and Nellie Moir and Menie Reid and Dorothy Thorburn and to post. “Marco Millions”, Eugene O’Neill (William Sylvester, USA Marco Polo). “We Beg to Differ”.
Tuesday 5th January 1954
Fine, colder.
Mrs Bearcroft. Laundry. Eva came after seeing Dr Baker and went on to hospital for x-ray to shoulder. I to Hudson‘s for bacon 12/6. Sweep came p.m., young one (Gorham?). Did 3 chimneys 15/–. Wrote Kath. Took down Christmas cards.
Wednesday 6th January 1954
Frost. Rain in p.m.
To Post Office, got £116.18 out and put £100 in National Provincial Bank. Phoned Eva. Brett came, took in cactus. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions and lunch there. To Bertol’s with saddlebags (moth-eaten). To Fern’s, to Berwick Street for lampshade frame 1/–. To Lewis’ and Bond Street, Wetheralls. To R.A.I. Pevsner lecture on Hill Hall and home. Koch on “The Great Northern Diver”, and Peggy Ashcroft “Romeo and Juliet”.
Thursday 7th January 1954
Fine, cold.
(Mrs Bearcroft lit kitchen stove). To Jaeger’s. Bought dressing-gown £8.18.6, sent to Aldeburgh (Phil). Liberty’s and Dickins & Jones’ (remnant, and sports spectator blouse). To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch. Paid rent. Cleaned a bit. 3.35 to Northwood, Colliver Fisher up (with eiderdown and Chinese horse drawing). Wrote Alys. To post. Bacon (cooked by Mrs Hill).
Friday 8th January 1954
Fine. Cool.
Lit Cozy stove. Out to meet Mrs Hill and to High Street for bap. Pork and rhubarb. 2.30 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Eva, Teddy and Eve at 3.15 (seen “The Robe”). I to Bruce Green, and Fern’s. To 11 Chandos Street. Nixon on gold-tooled bindings (Henry VIII). Lois there. 5.30 to Northwood. “Tribute to Sherlock Holmes on the Occasion of his Hundredth Birthday”. Eva phoned. “Frozen shoulder”, good diagnosis by Dr Furlong. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 9th January 1954
Dull, drizzly, milder.
Washed clothes. After lunch in BHN to park (Post Office). 2.37 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions taking Doz‘s eiderdown. Back again by 3.36 with frame for horse. Lit Cozy stove. “A Shilling For Candles”, Josephine Tey. Good thriller.
Memo:
4th Railway – call for carpet.
6th R.A.I. Hill Hall, Pevsner 5 p.m.
8th B.A.A. gold tooled book-bindings, H. Nixon.
6th James to Aldeburgh till 10th.
10th Comet jet from Singapore down near Elba. All lost (including school boy from Sherborne and Chester Wilmot).
Bicky.
Sunday 10th January 1954
Fine a.m.
Teddy phoned – they too busy to come over with electric blanket and would I write to Alys re. Eva’s shoulder; so I did, and to post at 2.45. “Helen”, comedy by Euripides 3.20. “William Penn” 5. “I Know What I Like”, Ralph Richardson (music), “The Bride of Lammermoor”.
Monday 11th January 1954
Fair, mildish.
Mrs Bearcroft, hot bottles in beds. Met Mrs Hill, and shopped first. Lunch. Eva and Teddy brought some luggage in a.m. and then again at 2.45 with Dougal. Teddy away, and Eva and I talked. Then at 4 Teddy, James and Eve arrived. I to 4.39 train. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions 5.25. Out for milk. Dairy closes 5.30!
Tuesday 12th January 1954
Fair, drizzly.
To Selfridge’s. Baps and VitBe bread. Also bought 3 patterns for coat (Vogue) and sale-price material 5/– yard. “It’s in Your Hands”, dirty food report. Bacon and raw cabbage salad. “Much-Binding”. Wrote Lucy.
Wednesday 13th January 1954
Dull. Rain p.m. Mildish.
Letter from Phil re. dressing-gown, so to Jaeger’s and ordered bigger size sent. Got wheatgerm on walk back, and cream cheese. New Sellotape round asbestos in grate. Cleaned books. To Free Library, read Times. Wrote Phil and Alys and to Post Office. “Night Must Fall”, Richard Burton.
Very bad avalanches. Austria and Switzerland.
(Bicky)
Thursday 14th January 1954
Dull. Fair.
To Aybrook Street, Electricity Board re. 6522. Phoned Eva (Eve to school today). To Burlington House, Royal Academy show of Flemish pictures (Fenwick’s sale on way and got green macintosh 30/– and black coat 6.16.6). To Buttery, Conduit Street, lunch 2/8. Home. Rest. Washed windowsills. “Special Duty – Cosh Kid”. Crocheted on scarf.
Friday 15th January 1954
Big gale. Very mild.
Walked to Bruce Greens (to Alys’ Bank en route). Paid 18/6 for spectacles (new left lens). To Dryad’s, got raffia for shade. 23 bus all way home. Cold sausages. Wrote Nellie Moir re. Malvern and lettercard to Alys re bath mats. Out for book rest and bread and Library to read Times and mince and oranges. Cut out coat (of remnant). “Any Questions”.
Saturday 16th January 1954
(no weather)
Phoned Eva (heard Mrs Bearcroft has to rest). Phoned Elsa. To Food Office (moved to Cornwall Terrace). Washed bathroom floor. Rest. Out for flowers, mimosa 2/–. Netted grey and green. “What Do You Know?”, “Jenny Villiers” from Priestley story of the theatre. Bad.
Memo:
11th Berry’s here (Northwood).
14th – 15th James and Eve back to school.
Sunday 17th January 1954
Fine. Mild.
Eva phoned about Dougal. Wrote Kitty. Cleaned bedroom; changed sheets. At 3 (about) to Sissie, 60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue. At 4.30 on to Ayrton’s (posted Sissie’s letter to Dr Haslam). Max in bed, gout. Away at 7. Leonard Cottrell on “The Bull of Minos”, Knossos (Sir Arthur Evans, step-brother of Joan Evans).
Monday 18th January 1954
Fineish.
Eva phoned about 10 that Dougal died at Neve’s, in Teddy’s arms. I by 10.54 to Northwood. Teddy met me in CUC. Eva at hairdressers. Lunch, (Mrs Hill) with Teddy and Eva. Did laundry. Packed bag. Teddy took me to station. Found wire from Alys at flat. Sent reply paid “Delighted to come”. Bought ticket to Aldeburgh 26/10.
Aldeburgh
Tuesday 19th January 1954
Fair. Mild.
Out to shops. Phil arrived 11.45. Lunch. Phil to Pryce Thomas 2.30 and later to Smart. I made sandwiches. Phil back 4.45. Tea. He phoned Paul and Eva and Wiz. I phoned Lois. 5.45 to Liverpool Street station. 6.30 train to Ipswich. No rooms anywhere. At 8.55 to Seckford Hall. Large room, 4 poster (Phil on to Waldringfield).
Wednesday 20th January 1954
Drizzle. Mild.
Read papers and at 12 taxi to Woodbridge. Walked to quay. Lunch 1 at The Crown 5/-. Out to find Ye Olde Bell and Steelyard Inn. To Parish Church. Back to The Crown. At 3.30 station. 3,42 train to Saxmundham. Alys in JLN. To 5 The Rest, Aldeburgh. My first sight of new flat! All lovely.
Thursday 21st January 1954
Very dull. Dark.
Out with Alys to shops, and called on Mollie Hadow, Park Lane. Lunch, rabbit pie, apples in syrup. Rests. Tea. At 5.45 to Jay’s and booked room. To Cinema, pirate picture. “Against all Flags” Maureen O’Hara, Errol Flynn, Indian princess and Scotch duenna, Sir Cloudsley Shovel. West Point and talking mule, “Francis” – “Francis goes to West Point”.
Friday 22nd January 1954
Fair. East wind.
Olive Riggs called re. Phil’s holiday. Out to shops and in JLN. Drove round seeing houses of various people. Lunch 1.30. Packed and we took bags to Jay’s Hotel in car. Talked (Alys making pelmet). At 6.50 I to Jay’s. Dinner 7 (3 U.S.A. airmen). Phil to 5 The Rest.
Saturday 23rd January 1954
Fair. Very cold.
To Alys’; out to Jay’s again to fix about meals. Met Alys (with Dougal’s post-mortem report). Sewed on buttons. To lunch at Jay’s. All p.m. reading “Bombard”. To Alys’ at 4.30 (posted lettercard to Eva). At 6, Alys, Phil and I to see “Against all Flags” and “Francis goes to West Point” again. At 9 beef sandwiches at Jay’s. Read. Bed 10.
The post mortem examination of Wing Commander Berry’s 6 year old Scottie confirmed your clinical diagnosis of the fatal illness as anaemia.
The examination revealed chronic B.H.S(?) tonsillitis complicated by chronic acidosis. I think both infections had been present for a long period, several years, and accounted for the degeneration of the kidneys and the otorrhoea.
Yours sincerely
Tim Hare
Memo:
18th Phil moves. Lunch at No. 12.
19th Laundry. Phil to town. Pryce Thomas.
20th 1.30 Liverpool Street station to Saxmundham.
Sunday 24th January 1954
Fine. Very cold East wind. Rough sea.
To Alys’ after late breakfast (talked to Joe, Malta and Rudy – U.S.A. Air Force). Alys and Phil to lunch (1) with me at Jay’s. I read “Bombard” and “The Overloaded Ark”. They called for me in JJ 4.15 and we to tea with Mollie. Jennifer in. Drive by Thorpeness. Supper at 5, The Rest. Phil took me back 9.30 to Jay’s.
London
Monday 25th January 1954
Sunny but icily cold.
Packed. Alys came and we to shops. Got JLN and fetched my bag. Lunch at 5, The Rest. Mollie Buchanan called! Alys drove me to Saxmundham. 1.20 to Liverpool Street station. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Eva came (she got milk). Lettercard to Alys. Teddy at 6.10. He and Eva to “A Day by the Sea”. I supper and bed. “Beg to Differ”, countryside in January. Phoned Lois.
Tuesday 26th January 1954
Grey and very cold.
Phoned Eva. Letter to Alys, postcard to Nellie Moir. Electric meter postcard sent. To Fern’s. Lunch. To get cream and cream cheese, and Radio Times. Rest. Slept. Washed clothes. Tinned beef (Brazilian) and tomatoes. “The Mayor of Zalamea” by Pedro Calderón. Edward Fitzgerald’s translation.
Wednesday 27th January 1954
Very, very cold.
Phoned Alys 4. Made beds up. Eva and Teddy at 12.30. Teddy arriving (with Malcolm). Eva lunch here. Out to ticket agent and I posted bathmat and phone book to Alys. Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Tea. Tube to R.A.I. Jack Willis there, and with us to Lyons. Supper. Home 7.40. Teddy phoned from Lyneham – aircraft grounded, snow. Postponed 24 hours.
Extreme cold weather. Lyneham 18°F (on 8 o’clock News). Coldest since ’47.
Thursday 28th January 1954
Very, very cold and grey.
My basin frozen. Up at 6.30. Called Eva. Breakfast 7.45. At 8.30 Eva got taxi and we to Liverpool Street station (7/6 with tip). Train heating iced up!. Eva to Ipswich 9.30. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lifts (back ones) frozen. Aired blankets. Lunch. To Northwood (Colliver Fisher) by 4.15. Put lamps in cars (filled up). Made my bed. Fed blackbirds. “Special Duty” Paraplegics, soldier in Malaya, spinal cord. “Take it From Here”.
Friday 29th January 1954
Fine and sunny a.m. Frost in p.m.
Found BHN switched on! So walked to meet Mrs Hill. Got meat and vegetables. Wrote Eva. Heard Mr Hunt and Miss Drury dead (“buried today!”). Mrs Bearcroft kitchen. To shops at 4.50 for bacon, eggs, cream, plums and herring. “The “Clio””, Myers’ novel, script Donald McWhinnie, Sir James – Cecil Trouncer.
Saturday 30th January 1954
Very, very, very cold.
To Bicky at 11.30. Washed kitchen floor. Lunch there. Ernest Blaikley to get Fred Barnard’s self-portrait (with Hablot Knight Browne) at 3. Sherry. Home to Northwood 4.30. Paraffin in car lamps. “H.M.S. Marlborough Will Enter Harbour”, Monsarrat. (Michael Hordern as Wainwright).
Memo:
25th Back to Bicky; ring Lois.
27th R.A.I. Stonehenge. D.F.S. Stone. 5.
28th Teddy away?
27th From Paddington. Teddy left on 2.15.
28th Eva to Ipswich 9.30 Liverpool Street station.
I to 12 Grove Road.
31st Coldest night. 9°F of frost air on roof. 16°F in other places.
Teddy only left Lyneham 3 a.m. Sunday.
Sunday 31st January 1954
Very, very cold. Sunny.
Feeding birds and keeping up fires; lit “Fireside” stove. Letter to Kitty. Lettercard to Alys. To post 1.30. Starling took a bath in water I put out, before it froze!!! “Chastelard”, Swinburne (Mary Queen of Scots). “The Daily Mail National Radio Awards”.
Monday 1st February 1954
Sunny. Intense frost.
Mrs Bearcroft, Alys’ room. To Hudson’s for bacon; and Bank. Met Mrs Hill (on foot). Paraffin in car lamps. Lit “fyrside” in sitting room. To get cream at 3.15. Hot water stopped running (cistern froze).
Tuesday 2nd February 1954
Intense cold. Dull.
Electricity shed. Had to let the kitchen stove go out. Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. Laundry (chiefly Eva’s). To Post Office with Alys’ bootees to send to Eve. Lots of blackbirds for food, 1 thrush. Called on Cattle’s. Barbara phoned. Phoned Hawkins. “The Country of the Blind”, Wells, Olivier.
Wednesday 3rd February 1954
Sunny. Frosty.
Cook’s sent back BHN battery at 11.45 (on charge since 29th). Met Mrs Hill (on foot). Paraffin in car lamps. All p.m. at Bicky cleaning, ready for Alys tomorrow. 5 o’clock train back. “Craig’s Wife”, Phyllis Calvert by George Kelly. G. M. Trevelyan “A Layman’s Love of Letters”.
Alys at 119 Bickenhall Mansions 4th and 5th. Phil 5th.
Thursday 4th February 1954
Frost and sun.
Everything still frozen up – cistern. In loft for skates. Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom and spare room. Walked to Salmon’s, who have paraffin so back and in BHN to get a can-ful for 5/– (with three oranges). Birds bathing; a robin at 4.15! Alys rang up from Bicky at 5.40. Alistair Cooke – “A Letter from America”, Ernest Hemingway.
Friday 5th February 1954
Frost, sunny.
Got paraffin and methylated spirits. Phoned Cook re. CUC radiator. Phoned Hawkins (men came at 3 and de-freezed cistern. O.K.). Mrs Hill. She did veal, stew and pancakes. Got bap High Street (in BHN) and Kimbo mat to Eastman’s. Mrs Bearcroft did kitchen. Wrote Eva. “Any Questions”. Phoned Alys and Phil at 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 9.5. Kitchen stove lighted.
Saturday 6th February 1954
Hard frost, misty.
Alys phoned. I took Phil skates and Alys’ black skirt to 119 Bickenhall Mansions, and had lunch there with Alys. Away at 3.6 to Northwood. Filled car lamps. Then Cook came, and let water out of CUC radiators. “Stolen Waters” by Lionel Brown. Henry Kendall, Jew Schultz.
Memo:
Doris and Sylvia Freer arrive 13th.
East Anglian medical and at St Thomas’ 6th.
Phil sleeps at Bicky 5th.
4th Alys to Bicky.
Friday a.m. posted skates to Alys at The Rest.
8th Chaffinch burst of song at 9 (first I’ve heard).
Sunday 7th February 1954
Sleet, snow, rain a.m. Fairer p.m.
Raining and thaw, but only just. Cozy stove out, so re-lit it. To Sissie’s 2.27 to Finchley Road and back by 4.50 from Finchley Road.
Monday 8th February 1954
Sleet a.m. Fair to fine p.m.
Sylvia phoned, Mrs Bearcroft a cold, gastroenteritis. Did stoves. BHN frozen in by block, so walked to shops. Bank. Mrs Hill, egg and bacon, plums. Lettercard to Alys. Wrote Mod. engineer re. Copdock. “The Captain of Kopenick” (hoax), Cyril Shaps.
Tuesday 9th February 1954
Dull.
Mrs Bearcroft came, better – Phil’s room, bathroom. I in BHN to Northwood Hills. Food Office, to Bank. Haircut (Wells), Gas Co., Carey’s, Cook’s. Lunch. Walked to Sherman’s -Vaseline shampoo, semolina sugar. Lettercard to Sissie. To post. “Markheim” R. L. Stevenson, Laurence Olivier.
Wednesday 10th February 1954
Fine, milder.
Met Mrs Hall in BHN. Got bacon, Sainsbury’s 10/9. Brett came a.m. Put lime on. Did hair with Pragmatar. Washed hair at 5. “The Unguarded Hour”, Malcolm Keen, Bernard Merivale.
CUC on charge.
Thursday 11th February 1954
Dull, mostly damp.
Mrs Bearcroft a.m. – did my bedroom and p.m. she did dining room. I took luggage carrier to Haverley. After lunch to Rex. Gregory Peck in “The Million Pound Note”, and Royal Symphony 2/8.
Friday 12th February 1954
Dark. Rain later. Raw.
Got Airwick. Met Mrs Hill. She made tinned steak pie. Mr Stuart came re. garage doors. Took 1.35 to town. To Leyel, too Selfridge’s – bill paid. To Bruce Green for re. bifocals. To Chandos Street B.A.A. – Castle Acre Priory, Baillie Reynolds. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Phoned Abbey Hotel, Malvern to book 2 rooms. 6.53 train to Northwood. “Any Questions”, tobacco and cancer.
Saturday 13th February 1954
Dull. Mild.
To High Street – kippers at Jones 8d, Norwegian. Garage doors done. Did a lot of riddling coke cinders and hot bottles in Alys and Phil‘s beds. Put CUC outside. Wrote Malvern confirming. “The High and Mighty”, (Lady Jane Grey).
Memo:
12th Castle Acre Priory, B.A.A. Baillie Reynolds.
Phil‘s holiday begins this week.
18th Freer’s? 12-ish.
Sunday 14th February 1954
Dull, mild.
Took Anadin. All a.m. Cozy stove lighting and re-filling hot bottles and washing bottle cover. Wrote lettercard to Nellie Moir and posted it by 3. Did more coke riddling. Oiled lathe. 5 to 6 “Brother Henry” played by Lionel Brown (Stud and President Valdazar), “Bride of Lammermoor”.
Monday 15th February 1954
Dull, damp.
Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room. I met Mrs Hill, having got corner bacon (lost at Hudson‘s!). Window cleaner and nephew. Washed mats and napkins and ironed them. Let kitchen stove go out. “The Sacred Scales”, (Corruzione al Palazzo di Giustizia) by Ugo Betti.
Tuesday 16th February 1954
Dull, cold.
Busy doing laundry, and making beds and to High Street. Radio 4/6 from Munnion. After lunch 1.30 made chocolate mousse. Alys and Phil arrived about 3 in Phil‘s Jowett Javelin. Paul Davis phoned 10. Alys tried for Freer‘s address.
Wednesday 17th February 1954
(no weather)
Phil drove Alys and I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. I to R.A.I. lecture Murus Gallicus, Dr M. Aylwin Cotton and Alys met me at Lyons; she and Jack Willis and I had supper there. Alys and I to Ciné, Royal Tour and Baby Jet. Then Bicky, and Phil (who had been see Paul Davis‘ wife in Brompton Hospital and dined with Paul, drove us all home).
Thursday 18th February 1954
Rainy.
Walked in rain to get beetroot. Talked to Mrs Hunt (Wicker). Phil to Colliver Fisher re. JJ (or on Wednesday). Doris Freer phoned from Bournemouth! Mr and Mrs Cattle in to coffee 8 – 10.30.
Friday 19th February 1954
Dull, dark, cold.
Phil stayed in bed late. Alys to fetch Mrs Hill in JJ. I wrote Kit re. dates, and Eve with Woodhouse cutting. Mrs Hill did curry. Phil drove Alys and me to London Airport (Heathrow) to test the time and route. Alys ironed Phil‘s trousers.
Saturday 20th February 1954
Dull, sunny after 10 till dark.
Got up 6.35. Breakfast 7.20. With Phil in JJ to London Airport. Saw him off in plane (Flight BE118) at 8.55 for Madrid (en route to Canary Islands). Alys drove us back, and took JJ to Colliver Fisher’s. Shopped in BHN. Lunch (curry). I walked to get oranges, cigarettes, bread. Barbara at 4.25 till 9.30.
Memo:
16th Write R.A.I. City meeting.
17th R.A.I Murus Gallicus – Dr M. Aylwin Cotton.
16th Alys and Phil return from Aldeburgh.
20th Phil to airport (London) for Canary Islands via Madrid 8.55 a.m.
20th Barbara, tea and supper.
Sunday 21st February 1954
Dull, cool.
(Phil arrives Las Palmas, Canary Islands 1.30). Not out, except to post Alys’ letters at 2.45 (and airmail to Phil at Hotel Santa Brigida). Alys did mince and leeks. On bed p.m. Chekhov “Ivanov”, with Gielgud. Mended stockings and talked.
Monday 22nd February 1954
Fair, fine. Mild.
Cable from Phil “arrived safely” from Las Palmas. Mrs Bearcroft came. I took Alys in BHN to Dr Phibbs (re. oculist). Later Mrs Hill and then took Alys to Moor Park 12.10. She to Liverpool Street station for Aldeburgh. Quiet p.m. by Cozy stove. Papers and sewing. “Queen Christina”, Strindberg (Yvonne Mitchell).
Tuesday 23rd February 1954
Fair.
In BHN to Gas Co. Got “frets” 3/6, paid Alys’ bill. Then got 11.47 to Bicky. Milk, baps. Lunch. Tube to Bank. St Mary Woolnoth, Lombard Street (J.H.V. Davies). Then St Margaret Lothbury (Dufty), Draper’s, Hall, Throgmorton Street. At 5:30 to U.C.H. (Slade). John Charlton, repair of ancient buildings. Supper and slept at Bicky.
Wednesday 24th February 1954
Fine.
To get medicine at Leyel’s, to get coffee at Fern’s. Got saddle bags from Burtol’s, 13/6. Lunch. Washed cloth. 4.27 to Northwood. Alys and Eva met me with JLN. “The Pirate”, (Estramudo) play by Behrman. Sam Wanamaker.
Alys to Bournemouth. Eva to Northampton. Phil in Canary Islands till Sunday.
Thursday 25th February 1954
Fair.
Eva took Alys to station (to go Bournemouth) and back in JLN. In BHN to Munnion’s with old radio, Vidor. Mrs Bearcroft here. Eva cooked sausages for our lunch. She away in JLN to Northampton for Eve. I in BHN to Rex, “The Kidnappers” at 2.30 (2/8). Paid Hawkins’ bill. Sewed nightgown. “Crime is Our Business – Cosmetic Clue in Southampton”.
Friday 26th February 1954
Rain, then very fine.
In rain (BHN) to meet Mrs Hill. Liver lunch. Did a lot more sewing on nightgown. Eva and Eve (with cold) back in JLN and to dentist in London at 4. Mrs Bearcroft here. Kitty phoned from Deal. Eva cooked eggs and mushrooms. Alys home at 9/10 (supper at Waterloo).
Saturday 27th February 1954
Cold. Fine.
Eve down to breakfast and to shop with Eva but in bed rest of day (cold). Alys to oculist and shops. I walked down and back in JLN. Colliver Fisher brought JJ back. Shepherds pie. Lamps in CUC and BHN as both out of doors. “Appointment With Venus”, cow in Armorel, Channel Islands.
Memo:
22nd Alys Aldeburgh.
23rd R.A.I. St Mary Woolnoth, Bank tube.
5.30 U.C.H. John Charlton – repair re. ancient buildings.
27th Alys and Eva here.
27th Eve to Dentist?
28th Phil flies back.
25th to 27th Alys to Bournemouth?
Sunday 28th February 1954
Fine, rain at 5.
(Phil flying from Las Palmas to Madrid 2 – 8.30). Wrote Kitty re. visits here. Eve down to breakfast; making rabbit of fur. Roast beef and leeks. At about 2.30 Alys in JJ (GFH) to see Sissie. At 3 Eva and Eve to Northampton. Dried Eve’s pyjamas. Alys back before 6. Haddock.
Monday 1st March 1954
Snow and frost. Sunshine.
Let water out of CUC. Alys to shops and met Mrs Hill (JJ). Eva back from Northampton in JLN. I to High Street in BHN. After lunch, BHN to Kingham’s. Eva fetched JLN from Cook’s. All 3 of us in JJ to London Airport at 5. Phil arrived at 5.50 in a Vickers Viscount (BEA) from Madrid. Cottage pie and ham and eggs and Fropax peas. Talk till 10.45.
Tuesday 2nd March 1954
Cold, but sunny.
Snow on cars (CUC and JJ outside!) Alys in JLN to shops. Phil and Eva in JJ. Mrs Bearcroft did hall. I walked to get cream 2/0. Eva made birthday cake for Eve. Alys phoned Freer’s re. going there with Phil. I made pancakes and we all did except Phil. Sir M. Wheeler and Glyn Daniel on submarine archaeology – “The Archaeologist”.
Wednesday 3rd March 1954
Showers.
Alys and Phil to Bournemouth in JJ (to Freer’s). I met Mrs Hill (on foot). Eva to town, shopping for Eve (nylons!) After lunch, I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Heard 2 playlets. Bus to Tuckey’s – ordered sheets and towel. To R.A.I., talk by ? about Richmond. Lyons with Lois Eric and Jack. By 7.50 to Northwood. “The Chiltern Hundreds”.
Thursday 4th March 1954
Fine and showers.
Washed and ironed nightgowns. Eva up and Liverpool Street station by 8.13 train (to Ipswich Hospital for feet). Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. I to High Street in BHN. Back, and then to Kingham’s – Marmite, marmalade, nutmegs, sardines. Tortilla (Spanish omelette) with vegetables in it. Walked to get sliced bread and to Boots. Eva home in JLN at 6. Threaded bast in cane chair. Alistair Cooke on McCarthy‘s Eisenhower.
Friday 5th March 1954
Fine. Cold.
Eva had letter re. Eve (earache). Eva in JLN to High Street, and I to station and 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch of buckling, 8d. Rested, slept, dreamt of Poz and “dog”. At 4 to get Leyel medicine and to Selfridge’s – basket 5/11 for Alys. Supper of lamb 1/– and peas, 1/3 frozen. Very good. “Any Questions”, “Komuso”, Robert Nichols, Googie Withers and Walter Fitzgerald.
Saturday 6th March 1954
Mild. Fine.
All day cleaning windowsills and new American cloth on shelf and washing cloths. Chocolate to drink and egg lunch. Back to Northwood by 4.30 train. Nice evening with Alys, Eva, Phil. “What Do You Know?” Dulcie Gray, Margot Eates, Nancy Spain.
Memo:
1st Phil back from Canary Islands.
2nd 1.15 U.C.H. Peter’s. 5.30 Westminster Abbey.
3rd R.A.I. Abracadabra.
4th to 8th Kitty to George’s.
4th Eva to Ipswich for day, Dr Laird.
6th Horniman, Roman London. Cook 3.30.
8th, 9th, 10th Bicky.
Sunday 7th March 1954
Fair to fine.
Eva decided to stay, and not go to Mollie’s. Toothache. After lunch she went (we all helped) to drive with Phil in JJ 3.30. He to Mrs Haig’s. Eva back by train 9/– and home here by 10.30. Alys and I talk of Freer’s. “The Mill on the Floss” began.
Monday 8th March 1954
Fine.
Alys took me to station. To Bicky. Out to shops. Eva came at 1. U.S.A. tin of sausage meat, very good. Eva out to buy dress material and mice for Eve’s cake. I rested. Then out to High Street – Boots. Eva back at 4.55, and we went out to Classic at 5 “The Bicycle Thief” 2.8 seats and “Vesuvius”. Egg and ham and rhubarb. “Historial Whodunit – Who Killed the Red Fox”, (Appin) and “The Rules of the Game”, Pirandello. I went to sleep. Cork in bottle.
Tuesday 9th March 1954
Fair. Mild.
Eva got sugar ornaments at Lyons. Man caned chair 7/6 (2/6 to Alys if). Met Eva at Swan & Edgar’s. To Buttery, Conduit Street lunch 5/–, odd together. Eva to get shoes for Alys. I home via Selfridge’s and Bank. Eva back to tea. Rests. Steak pie 2/6, baby sprouts 1/–. Rhubarb, wheatgerm and cream. Flying officer R.M.E. Chisholm “Cover of Darkness”.
Wednesday 10th March 1954
Fine. Very mild.
I at 10.30 to Blennerhassett. He took out my tooth out with local anaesthetic. Got milk, cheese, Quaker oats on way home. Eva had cleaned and polished and went to Northwood at 12. Had spaghetti and then cleaned a bit. To meet Kitty at Marylebone at 3.7. Taxi 2/– to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. I to Blennerhassett at 4.30 for my plate. Rests (slept). Tongue, yoghurt, blackcurrant.
11th/12th Blackbird sang (6 a.m.) at Bicky.
Thursday 11th March 1954
Fine and warm.
Phoned Alys (she to Aldeburgh today in JLN). Kitty and I to Fern’s. Then to Bourne & Hollingsworth and tube home. Tongue, lunch, and cream cheese. Rest. Out for “Times” and got Canada Dry tonic water. Crossword. “The Archers”. Kit called up Kath in Newcastle, and Floods and Ruegg. “Crime (in Glasgow) is our Business”.
Friday 12th March 1954
Fine, perfect.
Kit and I at 10.15 to Handy’s shop. He showed us the bird books (£12.12.0) Sach: Sitwell and James Fisher and Hardy. Walked to Lewis’. Kit got gloves 6/11 and ordered blouse. Lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rests. Kit to W Blaikley’s, I to 11 Chandos Street – Tonnochy’s lecture. Home at 7, had ravioli. George got Kit’s bag and she to his house.
Saturday 13th March 1954
Very dark and dull and cold.
Changed beds and sheets and cleaned. Tongue and cheese and blackcurrant and cream. Rest and sleep. Washed bathroom floor. 5.51 to Northwood. Eva doing her criss-cross frock. Chicken soup and haddock and rhubarb and cream. “Leading Lady”, Stella Margetson.
Memo:
8th Phil back at Ipswich.
8th Kitty here? I to Bicky 10th – 12th.
12th B.A.A. English personal seals, Tonnochy.
(10th, 11th Pithecanthropus U.C.H. 5.30).
10th or 11th Alys to Aldeburgh.
10.30 Blennerhassett.
Sunday 14th March 1954
Dark and very cold.
Lettercard to Alys. Read papers. Eva roasted mutton; leeks. Eva working all day at her frock. Did bast on chair-seat. Rest and sleeps in p.m. “The Mill on the Floss”.
Monday 15th March 1954
Dull and very cold.
Eva read James’ and Eve’s letters to me. Eva to Devonshire, tooth stopped. Mrs Bearcroft, Alys’ room. In BHN to shops and met Mrs Hill. To Munnion’s. Mince, carrots, apples. Eva iced Eve’s birthday cake. Went on with chair seat.
Tuesday 16th March 1954
Dull and very cold.
Mrs Bearcroft. I did laundry. Eva decorated cake with Sylvia Brewtnall‘s piping set. Mince, tinned swedes, mashed potatoes, custard (I made) and apples. Eva wrote Teddy and to Post Office. Scrambled eggs and frozen spinach. “All Night at Mr. Stanyhurst’s” from novel by Hugh Edwards. Eva read my “Memoirs”.
Wednesday 17th March 1954
Dull, some sun. Cold.
Brett came. To Hudson’s and Co and met Mrs Hill. Eva posted cake to Eve. Mrs Hill, fried cod steaks and boiled bacon. Eva and I to Rex at 1.50 – “Front Page Story”, Jack Hawkins. Wrote Phil for Freuchen book. Eva gave me egg poacher.
Slept 119 Bickenhall Mansions on 18th.
Thursday 18th March 1954
Dull. Cold.
Up at 7, and took Eva to get the 8.17 train. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen, and I wrote Elsa and then 11.11 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Out for baps, cheese, milk. Spaghetti lunch. Rest till 2.20. To see Sissie at 60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue. Posted 2 parcels to Eve in a.m. (for Eva). Rest and sleep. Curried scrambled eggs, grapefruit. Sissie gave me £5 for petrol.
Friday 19th March 1954
Dull. Milder.
To Blennerhassett at 11. On to Handy’s shop. Hayward Hill took order for frame for Eve’s horse. Home. Spaghetti (tinned). At 4.45 to Northwood (Mrs Hill cooked mince) and Mrs Bearcroft a.m. instead of p.m. Did chair with bast. “Any Questions”, “At Home and Abroad”, Selwyn Lloyd on Sudan.
Saturday 20th March 1954
Dull, milder.
In BHN to High Street for bap, Post Office and oranges. Mince lunch. Wrote Nellie Moir (with Sissie’s letter) and Ruffer re. Congress B.A.A. and acceptance B.A.I. To pillarbox. Knitted and crocheted green rug wool for bag and webbing (4 yards at 6d) 2/–. “Celestina” by Ferdinand de Rojas. Flora Robson, old whore. “Who Goes There!”, John Dighton.
Memo:
18th Eve’s 14th birthday. Eva to Aldeburgh, Mollie’s.
19th 11 a.m. Blennerhassett.
22nd Blackbirds sang; back and front garden. Tamey sat on hedge in front of Lamey’s nest bush.
24th – 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 21st March 1954
Dull, mild.
Lettercard to Alys. Defrosted Frigidaire. Steak and turnips and rhubarb. Wrote Saida and Sissie (not posted). Washed my hair. Finished green webbing and rug wool bag. “I Remember” Gilbert Murray on his brother, Hubert and Papua. To Cowie’s with 10/- (Shuttleworth first in error. Cowie’s were out).
Monday 22nd March 1954
Very fine. Wind and sun. Mild.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. In BHN to Bank (Sissie’s cheque). Met Mrs Hill. Did a lot of washing. Took our half crowns to Cowie’s (Conservative). Mended old basket and finished new green one. Wrote lettercard to Kitty. Lit fire at 6. “Wife to a Famous Man”, Martinez Sierra.
Tuesday 23rd March 1954
Cooler, windy. Cloudy.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Eva’s room and bathroom. I did washing, and ironing. Mince at 1.45. To shops, got Sellotape. Finished basket. Finished check gingham blouse. Mended towel (roller). Ralph Richardson in Conrad’s “The Tale”, (Laurence Olivier series), Norwegian ship.
Wednesday 24th March 1954
Fair.
BHN to High Street, and to meet Mrs Hill. Postcards to Sissie and Kitty. 1.35 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Out for milk and bread. Rest. “The Poetical Gentleman”. R.A.I. 5 Agricola’s fort. With Lois to Lyons. Walked to Club and saw Nellie Moir (Pauline on bed). Home at 8.45 to119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 25th March 1954
Dull, not cold.
Mrs Bearcroft arrived 9.45 and cleaned until 11.35, paid herself 5/– and fare 3/8. I went to Dryad’s for bast to finish chair, and got cane and leaflet 9d. Walked to Fern’s, 1lb coffee. Walked to Upper Regent Street, via Eastcastle Street. 59 bus to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Eva came (from Aldeburgh ). I to Northwood 3.36. Eva at 5.45. Talk and kippers.
Friday 26th March 1954
Fine.
Brett came and pruned roses (geranium had white flies). Brigeon called re. grass. Eva in BHN to Food Office, Ruislip and met Mrs Hill. Then I in BHN to get bacon and butter and fruit and cheese. Mince, rhubarb lunch. Sewed Elsa‘s pink blouse. Chair “basting”. Eva doing Phil‘s wash-leather gloves (he began at Mundesley).
Saturday 27th March 1954
Fine.
Eva’s suitcase (Teddy’s) lock “tampered with” and she to station to complain. Grand National – Royal Tan. Eva in BHN to the Harrod’s at The Coppice to tea. I washed and ironed. “The Passion and the Pity”, Elleston Trevor, oculist and wife and friends, good.
Memo:
25th Mrs Bearcroft cleaned 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Augustus John, Diploma Gallery.
24th R.A.I. Inchtuthil I.A. Richmond.
26th Eva back?
23rd Nellie Moir in town till 26th.
30th and 31st 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 28th March 1954
Dull a.m. Sunny p.m.
Eva made Victoria sandwich, and cooked topside beef, baked apples. “A Life of Bliss”. Gilbert Murray, “I Remember” on General Smuts and Dr Nansen. Machined rough remnant coat. Eva out to post and walk, and knitting Eve’s lemon jumper. I nearly finished chair (bast).
Monday 29th March 1954
Cold, grey.
Eva in BHN to Watford for receipts for shirt; to shops, and met Eva and Mrs Hill and all home in car. James arrived (in the Flew’s car) about 12.30. Lunch, shepherds pie. James lit coke stove. “Judgment Day”, Elma Rice – Court of law, iron curtain.
Tuesday 30th March 1954
Fine.
Laundry. Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room. Eva took me to station in CUC. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Bacon. Rest. Out for oranges. Tomato soup. At 8 to British-American Institution at Allied Circle, Green Street. Leonard Miall (BBC reporter at Washington 8 years) spoke. Marshal Plan. Home at 10.30 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Wednesday 31st March 1954
Fair.
At 12.15 to Blennerhassett. On to Bourne & Hollingsworth and bought straw at 1/9 a yard, 10/6. Back 119 Bickenhall Mansions for lunch. At 2 to Classic, 2/1 News and puppets (Italian), very good. “The Browning Version”, Michael Redgrave. At 5 R.A.I. Durham. Supper at Lyons top floor. Lois, Laurie, Eric, Jack. “The Ship That Died of Shame”, Monsarrat.
Thursday 1st April 1954
Fair.
Washed pink woolly. To Arts Council, St James Square but Whistler’s finished. To Classic 12.15 – 2.15 “The Paradine Case”, Gregory Peck, and Todd, Valli (murderess), Laughton (judge). 2.1. Late lunch; bacon, cocoa. Made mandarin hat. Bread and milk, cream cheese. 6.55 to Northwood. Eva and James at supper. Alistair Cooke “Letter from America”. “Crime is Our Business”, (Dutchman).
Friday 2nd April 1954
Mild.
Eva and James off at 8.45 to meet Margaret Hadow (my Godmother). I in BHN, shops and Mrs Hill. Ironed lining and planned for rough coat. Cheese pudding. Eva and James back at 4. Eva started packing. I walked to Express for milk. Dull “Any Questions”.
Saturday 3rd April 1954
Dull, mild.
6.30 took rhinitis. Eva and James packed, and went off in CUC to Rickmansworth. I to High Street, oranges, posted egg-boxes. Got sole for 1/7 and had it for lunch. Felt rotten. On bed most of p.m. Tied up daffodils and picked beaten down ones. Kept kitchen stove going. Soup only at supper.
Memo:
29th James here.
30th British American Association 8.30 Allied Circle, 46 Green Street.
31st R.A.I. Durham. John Charlton 5.
Augustus John show, Diploma Gallery.
31st Handy? Liberty? Blennerhassett at 12.15.
Dr Baker (ears).
3rd Eva and James to Rickmansworth.
7th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 4th April 1954
Cool, some sun in p.m.
Still felt rather rotten. Got up at 9 and only porridge. Lettercard to Alys, and posted it (after lunch of mince and peas and rhubarb). 2.30 till 6 on bed, dozing and listening “Three Can Live” (The story of Wing-Commander Yeo Thomas), suspense. (Special essence).
Monday 5th April 1954
Cold. Sun and showers.
Alys sent £7.0.0 cheque. Brigeon cut lawns. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned bedrooms. Still felt rotten, and only porridge for breakfast. Eva and James in, to get things left behind. Gave Eva £7 for her CUC battery (Teddy‘s birthday present!) I met Mrs Hill in BHN. All p.m. on bed. Phil phoned about 6 re. McNab‘s folder. “The Gay Lord Quex”, Pinero, Peter Cushing. “Paul Temple and the Gilbert Case”.
Tuesday 6th April 1954
Cold. Sun.
Only porridge. Mrs Hill phoned 9, offering to come without payment. Mrs Bearcroft came. Wrote Alys with cheque £5 and lettercard to Phil (folder not here). Mince and vegetables warmed up again. Took a temperature 97.8°F. On bed 3.30 – 6.30, but feeling better. “The Suicide Club”, Laurence Olivier. “Budget”, Butler.
Wednesday 7th April 1954
Fine.
Eva phoned. Picked daffodils.. Brett sprayed roses with Buisol. Wrote Margaret Hindhaugh and Sissie. Mrs Hill brought fish (didn’t meet her). 2.55 to town. Got milk and bread. To 11 Chandos Street but wrong. Didn’t feel like going on to R.A.I., so home and on bed. “A Street in Soho” (For the Love of Doc), “Princess Rosette”.
8th and 9th – 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Comet for Africa in sea, near Naples. All lost.
(January 10th, other Comet down).
Thursday 8th April 1954
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft phoned re. “urgent” letter. Up late then back on bed till 12. Out for oranges, rhubarb, baps, cheese. Buckling lunch and rhubarb and cream. On bed, dozing and listening until 6.30. Cold mince, cheese. Reading ”The Way We Live Now”, Trollop. (Oil in ears)
Friday 9th April 1954
Fine.
Letter from Sissie (not go today – Hooray!). Out to Fern’s. Straight back. Eva and Eve had called (Frank). Rested. Cold mince and tomatoes. On bed p.m. At 4.30 to 11 Chandos Street. Zeuner, B.A.A. good. Lois there. Home. Supper buckling. “The Maid’s Tragedy”, Beaumont and Fletcher, good.
Saturday 10th April 1954
Fine.
Bread and milk breakfast. Took 9.48 Northwood, Colliver Fisher. Lit Cozy stove, turned on immersion. In BHN to get oranges. Stewed leg of beef and carrots (left by Mrs Hill) and rhubarb and cakes. On bed all p.m. till nearly 6. Dozed and rather sore throat, dry mouth, blocked nose. Tomato soup with brown bread, cheese. “Yellow Jack”, “The Confidential Clerk”.
Memo:
6th Eve’s holidays.
A.P. 7th.
7th Saxon metalwork (R.A.I.), Bruce Mitford.
9th B.A.A. early Christianity in North Africa, Zeuner.
Sunday 11th April 1954
Very fine, mild.
On bed most of day, and only dressed at 2, to take letters to post. Throat pretty sore, nose very blocked. Normal temperature. Lettercard to Sissie. (Oil in ears 4th day). Gilbert Murray (“I Remember”) on Einstein and Madame Curie.
Monday 12th April 1954
Dullish, mild.
Stayed in bed till 11.30. Mrs Bearcroft came. Laundry, but none sent. Mrs Hill made curry of beef stew. I dressed and down to lunch. Lettercard to Alys. Rested, and still on bed at 5.15 when Eva in. Talk (Eve’s pigtails are off). Sheep’s tongues (tin), supper. “Order of Chivalry”, Lydia Ragosin.
Tuesday 13th April 1954
Dullish, mild.
Mrs Bearcroft brought oranges. Picked some daffodils. Alys phoned, asking me to go to Aldeburgh tomorrow (said not well enough). Warmed up curry. Bottled plums. Rest. Poached eggs in new poacher, present from Eva. “Sacrifice to the Wind”, Obey. Sacrifice of Iphigeneia, daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra.
Wednesday 14th April 1954
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft (instead of Good Friday) and Brett. Eva phoned. Alys’ letter, so picked daffodils and Brett posted to Alys. Mrs Hill came with fish and bread. Letter to Alys. Brigeon mowed lawns. I to post with B.A.A. program for Nellie. “The Net”, John Pudney. Supersonic secrets.
Thursday 15th April 1954
Fine. Windy.
Mrs Bearcroft. Phil phoned re. 22nd. Kitty phoned from George’s. Eva and Eve and James to dentist, and in here about 11.30. Eve helped me pick daffodils for Mrs Hill and Mrs Bearcroft. Mrs Hill brought mince and their own rhubarb. Wrote Nellie changing date. Rest. Sewed “rough coat”. Myron Kinley, Texas oil fire fighter “Danger is our Business”, “The Highland Jaunt”, Johnson and Boswell.
Friday 16th April 1954
Fine, windy.
Picked daffodils blown over by wind. Worked on striped coat. Made custard and shape with plums. Mince, lunch. Rest. Bird song with records, black cap, redpoll. Finished Freuchen’s “Vagrant Viking”. Made fish milk soup. “Any Questions?” – 200th.
Saturday 17th April 1954
Fair.
Coffee and marmalade breakfast. 1st for 13 days. In BHN to get cream and Ryvita and petrol, oil, distilled water. Took Marconi to Dorvill (Munnion) – paid bill for old EcKo £1.16.0! Mince and peas, rhubarb, custard. Read “Arctic Adventure”. So rough coat. Egg and shape. “The Merry Month”, Winston Clewes (castle and girl architect, helicopter, Colorado beetle).
Memo:
R.A.I. Jope, Belfast.
14th Mediaeval and Renaissance building in Cornwall.
Kitty and Kath at George’s (George and Joy at Deal).
18th Eva, James and Eve to tea with Kitty and Kath.
21st 119 Bickenhall Mansions. New porter – “Chris”.
Sunday 18th April 1954
Fair. Sun and cloud.
Very late breakfast 10. Eva phoned. Read papers and lit Cozy. Sewed lining in rough coat. Read “Arctic Adventure”, and “H.M. Pulham Esquire”. Wrote Alys and to post with it. “The Mill on the Floss”, and Madame Jeanty’s work for Germans, “Who Shall Stand”.
Monday 19th April 1954
Fine. Cool.
Washed things. Phone talk with Kitty. In garden. Mrs Cattle not well. Bonemeal to standard roses, and rhubarb. Worked on coat. Poached eggs on spinach (tinned), prunes. “A Call at Bly”, Michael Innis (Turn of the Screw, Henry James), “Mrs Craddock”, Somerset Maugham.
Tuesday 20th April 1954
Fair, very cold.
Mrs Bearcroft, bedrooms for Berry’s. 1 to High Street, BHN, bap. Posted sliderule to Phil 3d. Bank for 40 x 1/- for Sissie. Met Mrs Hill (Boots to suspend Alys’ subscription). Did pockets on coat; and ties. Letter to Sissy with envelopes and postcards to post. Phil phoned re. Bicky and papers. Rang him when I found them.
Wednesday 21st April 1954
Fair. Cold.
Brett put in sweet peas. I met Mrs Hill. Fried fish at 12.30. To Baker Street 1.35. To Sissie at 60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue till 4.45. Supper. “The Ocean”, talk, “Stop Press Murder”, “The Malacca Cane”, R. Kemp. Very good.
“Absolute drought”, i.e. no rain for 15 days.
Thursday 22nd April 1954
Fine. Cold.
Gave Frank key for Phil. Gave daffodils to char-woman. Mrs Bearcroft came and cleaned all a.m.; away 11.50. I out for eggs and bread (for Phil). Made beds. After lunch to Handy’s shop for Chinese horse, framed (25/–). Only Hayward Hill there. Went on arranging breakfast. 4.45 to Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. In to see Mrs Cttle (who still nearly blind). Lois phoned re. Doris visit.
Friday 23rd April 1954
Fine, cold.
To Dr Baker’s 8.50, ears syringed. To High Street, mince and bones, Webber’s. Home. At 11.30 Mrs Hill. Took her back. Then BHN to get 12.9. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch. Cleared up beds and washed up. Took sheets to laundry. Got ticket for Moreton-in-Marsh. 3.45 to Northwood. BHN Home. Postcard to Nellie Moir re. train.
Saturday 24th April 1954
Cold. Fair.
Put hose on roses, after bonemeal and for birds worms. BHN to shops. Bank (Sissie cheque), Post Office. Posted K–H cheque. Finished mauve striped coat. Mince, Fropax peas. “The Tale of Taku”, smuggling ‘47. “Ask Me Another”, Grand Finale – Laver, Hillary. Dakin won. “Odd Boy Out”, Alan Kennington. Prep school with villain headmaster.
Memo:
22nd Phil and Dr David van Swanenberg at Bicky. Key.
23rd Dr Baker?
Sunday 25th April 1954
Fair. Sunny p.m. Cold
(Washed my hair at 6:40 p.m.) Put bonemeal on roses, and then turned hose on. Darned stockings, listened “En Voyage” and “The Critics”. Mince and peas. Wrote Alys and to post. “Suspense – Sailing to Freedom”, Ethiopian refugees crossing Atlantic. Berry’s with trunks came. Mr Hill phoned – wife’s back hurts. “Triumph and Tragedy”, Churchill’s last volume criticised by E. T. Williams.
Monday 26th April 1954
Fine. Cold wind.
Mrs Bearcroft. Eva over with suitcases and took James‘ trunk to Bearcroft’s. To shops BHN, mince. Brigeon cut lawns. Began very dark jersey skirt. Sent envelopes and postcards to Sissie. Berry’s in for BHN, as CUC stuck. Berry’s here to tea. James trying to mend CUC. I to Wells’ for haircut 2/– + 6d. Got supper, bacon, pork sausages. “Paul Temple and the Gilbert Case”.
Tuesday 27th April 1954
Fine. North East wind. Hose on.
Mrs Bearcroft. Eva, James and Eve walked to the shops and Cook’s (re. CUC).. In BHN to Boots for Mrs Cattle‘s books. Picked daffodils and did up for Alys. Eva cooked mince. I to Rex, “Doctor in the House” and two police. Posted Alys’ daffodils and took some to Mrs Hill, sat with her 20 minutes. Berry’s to “Those Who Dare” at Rickmansworth. “When Greek Meets Greek”, Olivier in Graham Greene story.
Wednesday 28th April 1954
Cold. Dull.
Eva and Eve to town. I packed, with James in BHN, parked car. 2.12 train. (Brett came). Lunch Forte’s 1/8. Rest – play. Eva and Eve called for leather trunk. To R.A.I. 5 p.m. Whinney in chair. Oliver Millar, Prince Regent collector. 119 Bickenhall Mansions to supper. Royal Academy dinner, Churchill, Sir G. Kelly.
Moreton-in-Marsh
Thursday 29th April 1954
Fine, warmer.
Not out. Lunch 12.15. At 12.45 bus 27 to Paddington. Train 1.45 to Moreton-in-Marsh. Times crossword, and slip knot! 4.1 Moreton-in-Narsh, Nellie and car to Broadway. 153 High Street. To de Navarro garden. Toty and Dorothy and Michael. Whooping cough. Daffodils, cricket. Mrs Vincent. Baked sole, tomatoes.
Friday 30th April 1954
Changeable.
Lucy (Brewtnall) and Doris (Freer) (sisters) came 11.30. Wrote Alys and postcard Lois (re. Malvern). Cold fowl and bacon, raspberries, baked custard and cream. At 2.45 to Miss Emerson’s and with her in car to Snowshill and Temple Guiting, Stanway. Sole, soup, cheese. Crossword. “Any Questions”.
Saturday, 1st May 1954
Cold, windy.
To get ice cream for Miss Emerson (among council houses). At 4.30 to Marian Carey-Gilson’s; garden (zinnias under cloches), dressmaking-room, cars! (new Ford Popular). To Lucy’s, Doris. Finished Times crossword! Deerstalker.
Memo:
Dr Baker (ears) this month May. See April 23rd.
28th R.A.I. Prince Regent collector. O. Millar.
26th Berry’s here.
29th To Broadway? Till Monday? 1.45 Paddington. 4.1 Moreton.
Gertrude – Miss Caton-Thompson.
Sunday 2nd May 1954
Temp. 36°F.
Very rough night with heavy rain storms. Dorothy de Navarro and Gertrude Caton-Thompson and friend in. Rest till 3.10. To Miss Katie Lewis’ – Sargent portraits, Tadema, Burne-Jones. Back to tea. At 5.30 to Dr and Mrs Durrant’s (met Mr Fleming and girl). D’Oyly Carte, Ben Greet. Handwriting (left Phil’s note). Dr Durrant great book of reference – solvents, plastics. Son has T.B. after war. North Wales. All very interesting. (Rita sleeps here).
Northwood
Monday 3rd May 1954
Very cold showers.
9 Taxi to Moreton-in-Marsh. 9.30 train to Paddington. 11.30 bus to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Got lunch and ate it. 3 Berry’s in. James to Sherborne (3 p.m.). I to Northwood and BHN home. 3.30 Alys (in JLN) there! Eva and Eve back about 5. Talk. Supper (sausage and eggs in stove). “The Hungry God” (Russians in London), Joseph Pole.
Tuesday 4th May 1954
Cold. Sun and showers.
Alys, Eva and Eve to shops. Mrs Bearcroft here. They to London about 1.45 (Eve to Overstone School). Wrote Nellie Moir and Huntly and Palmer’s re. their Bath Olivers. To post and in garden. Alys and Eva back at 5.55. Talk. Kippers.
Wednesday 5th May 1954
Showery. Windy.
Alys to shops and called on Mrs Hill and Mrs Cattle. Mrs Bearcroft came: did kitchen stove. Eva shops. I did Income Tax Claim. Brett came. In p.m. Alys to town, Gieves, and back at 5.50 (5.8 from Marylebone). Eva did her frock (which check on navy). Tongue. “Group Flashing Two”, David Howarth.
7th, 8th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 6th May 1954
Fine, windy. Showers.
Brigeon came but grass not grown so no cut. Alys very late (after bad night). Mrs Bearcroft here. Eva to Foakes’ for hair, and Bank. In BHN to High Street – cod 3.6, Allen’s. Baked the cod with cheese, spring onions, tomato ketchup, milk, parsley. Wrote Lois and R.A.I. with cheque £3.3.0. Alys and Eva out in CUC (stuck at Moor Park). I got butter, margarine, rhubarb, cream. Phil phoned his address.
Friday 7th May 1954
Fine. Mild.
Alys and Eva in JLN to Aldeburgh at 11.45. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 12. Lunch there. To Bank, re. Warrant. To Debenham & Freebody, got dark grey felt hat, and ordered nylon hats to see. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Out again 30 and 49 buses to Botley‘s – changed geological hammer. Home. Sewed coat (new striped one). Sardines. Tidied drawers out.
Saturday 8th May 1954
Perfect.
Posted hammer to James. At 9.30, from Chandos Street to Greensted Church, Epping (lunch at Thatched House Hotel. Wood House, Epping (Mrs Elwes) -furniture, pictures from Copt Hall). Chingford, Queen Elizabeth hunting lodge (and Museum – excavations Salisbury Hall (greyhound parking), Annie Hatley. High Beech – Saxon Pillow Mounds. Tea. Ferry Boat Inn. Back at 6.45.
Memo:
3rd and 4th James and Eve to schools.
3rd Back from Broadway Moreton – 9.30, Paddington 11.30.
3rd Alys from Aldeburgh.
7th Alys to Aldeburgh.
8th 9.30 a.m. 11 Chandos Street – Epping, Chingford.
General Meeting of big powers re. Indo-China and Korea.
Sunday 9th May 1954
Fine.
Did a good deal of tidying ready for Freer‘s. At 12.30 to Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. 1.40 lunch. Rest. Finished “Blue Ice”, Innes. Wrote Mrs Durran‘s re. Phil’s handwriting. Watercolour sketch of Eve’s model horse (with her own hair). Oloff de Wet “The Song of the Shirt”, Chris Sykes. Eva Home from Aldeburgh at 7.50. Supper.
Monday 10th May 1954
Hot. 70°F.
Mrs Bearcroft came, and I sent her to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Eva and I in BHN to station (I posted parcel to Eve). 10.50 to Baker Street. Eva on 30 bus (for Sloane Square). I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Water through ceiling (kitchen). Sylvia Freer came and out to lunch. Saw her to bus. Got milk. Lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Cleaned. Sylvia back, Doris (from Broadway) at 4. I posted mints, and to Northwood. Shopped. BHN back; to Post Office. Wrote Alys a lettercard there. Blackbirds (with nest). Egg and bacon, ice cream. To bed 8.30, tired.
Tuesday 11th May 1954
Perfect.
Mrs Bearcroft here. Laundry. Did Income Tax form. Early cheese omelette and to Rex 2/-. At 1.15 (posted little bowl and stocking to Alys), “Conflict of Wings”, Norfolk. Wrote lettercards to Nellie Moir and Kitty. Brigeon cut lawns. Got petrol.
Wednesday 12th May 1954
Fine, 81°F. Thunder.
Phoned Freer’s. Brett put cyclamen and geraniums out. BHN to Vincent’s – paid bill 15/9. Parked car. 12.41 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (Freer‘s at Ernest Vernor Miles‘). Lunch. 23 to Remington‘s with Phil‘s razor – paid 5/4. 22 to Piccadilly. To Augustus John exhibition (Diploma Gallery). R.A.I. Tea 4. Spoke Leslie Dow and wife. Sir M. Wheeler on submarine archaeology. Dr Philip Corder, new President. Home 6.35 train. BHN up. “Un Carnet de Bal (In Search of Her Youth)”, 7 partners.
15th arrival home of Queen and Duke from Tour of Commonwealth.
Thursday 13th May 1954
Hot and fine.
Got 10/6 tin Thin Bath Olivers. Mrs Bearcroft, Mrs Cattle in for dog-cherry branches (cerasus). Munnion for Cossor (my stupidity). In BHN to Boots (Cattle book). Green Lane Electric to mend garage light. He altered it and put separate switch (£1.0.0). Wrote Abbey Hotel (cancel room) and Ruffer (re. N.M.) Dr Hass on Deep Sea (“Danger is our Business”).
Friday 14th May 1954
Dull, showers.
11.47 to Baker Street (BHN to Eastbury Road). Called for Doris at 119 Bickenhall Mansions and took her to Club, 34 Cavendish Square. Lunch. Sylvia called for her at 2. I to Woolworth’s, Herbal shop, Selfridge’s – butter dish. 11 Chandos Street, B.A.A. Tea and Mrs Eames. Talk “Tile Kilns”. Home by 7.40. I took Bernice in BHN. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 15th May 1954
Very cool. Grey.
In BHN to High Street. Bap and fruit.. Bought 2nd hand cabin trunk at Mellor’s for £2.0.0. (from 45/-). Lunch. Washed nightdress. BHN to 60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue at 3.10. Sissie, we listened to “The Royal Return” – Arrival of Queen and Duke and children at Westminster pier, at 3.30 – 4. Drove home by 5.50. “Gala Performance”.
Memo:
10th Freer’s in Bicky till 16th.
12th R.A.I. General Meeting, Wheeler.
14th B.A.A. Tile Kiln, Chertsey Abbey. Gardner and Eames.
14th Take Doris, lunch at Club.
10th Eva to Deal till 17th.
Blackbirds feeding young in nest (Cattle’s yellow bush).
19th Nests empty – cat?
Sunday 16th May 1954
Dull and cold.
Did a lot on dark grey jersey skirt. Ironed nightgowns. Pressed pork and salad. Wrote Alys and to pillar box. Sewed skirt and nylon blouse. “The Duchess of Malfi”, 6 till 8.40. Gielgud on “Hamlet: The Actor’s View”.
Monday 17th May 1954
Dull. Cold.
Mrs Bearcroft – lavatories and bathroom. I to meet Mrs Hill (well again from “back”), sausages. Eva home from Deal about 7. Alys phoned. Sir Winston’s “move” re. Queen in Parliament.
Tuesday 18th May 1954
Dull. Cold.
Mrs Bearcroft sitting room. Eva to Watford in CUC and Cook’s. I walked to Boots to change Mrs Cattle’s book, and posted mustard pot to Nellie Moir. Eva baked cod. She wrote letters. I machined spotted grey jersey. “The Snow Goose”.
Wednesday 19th May 1954
Fine a.m. Dull later.
Eva washed all a.m. Brett dug up bed (border), brought rhubarb. I met Mrs Hill. Pork joint 7/6, cauliflower. Eva to Watford to see “The Kidnappers”. Fish pie made by Eva (I boiled fish). “Crispin’s Day”, “Cambridge Union Society” debate.
22nd hen blackbird beginning new nest.
Thursday 20th May 1954
(no weather)
Dorothy Barnard Trust Income Tax certificate from Ernest Vernor Miles. Got petrol and to 55 Langland Drive; Louie Barnard, Dennis and Jane Sandeman. Coffee, cheese and biscuits. Nice garden. Home via Bearcroft’s for Alys Boyd‘s (née Embleton) trunk. Cold pork, new potatoes. Finished Income Tax reclaim and to post. Wrote Doris and Ernest Vernor Miles. Eva wrote letters. I gardened and planted canariensis from Louie Barnard. “The Oxford Union – This House prefers the White Rabbit to the Red Queen“, debate.
Friday 21st May 1954
Dull, cool.
To High Street seeking mince (Engine Drivers’ strike makes meat scarce). In queues – Sainsbury’s and Hudson‘s for meat and bacon. Met Mrs Hill. Eva took her back in CUC. Mrs Bearcroft helped with Alys’ trunk to loft. I tidied up there a bit. Eva did her checked dress revers. I my spotted jersey. Cold bacon supper. “Any Questions”, Miles Thomas, James Cameron, “News Chronicle”.
Saturday 22nd May 1954
Dull, rain at times.
Eva to shops in CUC. I did spotted jacket. Cold pork, carrots, apple pie. Eva doing her dress. She walked to Post Office. I went after lunch to get Sellotape and mint creams. “Pied Piper”, Nevil Shute, Cyril Shaps as Howard.
Memo:
20th Louie Barnard 11 a.m.
22nd to 28th Barbara to Aldeburgh.
119 Bickenhall Mansions 24th and 25th.
Sunday 23rd May 1954
Very dull, some rain.
(Thought it was Monday till I saw Sunday papers!) Tidied away old hats – summer and felt berets. Eva began packing Eve’s horse for Teddy, and nearly finished her frock. Ward Perkins on “The Megalithic Temples of Malta”. England v. Scottish – “International BirdSong Contest”.
Monday 24th May 1954
Showers. Milder.
Eva to have hair done. I took new trunk to station; and met Mrs Hill. Mrs Bearcroft went on spring-cleaning Alys’ room. Sausages. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (leaving Eva very low, but going to Marion‘s (Marion Berry – Teddy’s sister)). To Fern’s and Shearn‘s. Out for milk. Buckling. “The Private Life of Hilda Tablet”, Henry Reed, Hugh Burden.
Tuesday 25th May 1954
Warm.
Phone Eva. To fur shop to try to sell Amy‘s marten fur muff. To Tuckey’s with towel. To Debenham & Freebody, no good. Times bookshop. “But Not All Vanity”, Baroness De Stoeckl 10/6. Bacon. To Harrison’s – watch glass, Dorlon – Chinese shawl stain! Wrote Alys and Doris. To post and with little radio to Derbin. “Easter”, August Strindberg.
Wednesday 26th May 1954
Warm and fine.
To Marks & Spencer‘s. Bought skirt and scarf. Yeast. Washed my hair. Washed clothes. Cleaned. 4.45 to Northwood. Eva met me in CUC. Brett and Brigeon had been. Fish with breadcrumbs on new potatoes. (Alys sent telegram; Eva wrote to her.)
Thursday 27th May 1954.
Hot and fine. Breeze.
Man came to oil fridge (service). Eva to shops in CUC and got zip to post to Eve. Coal (1 ton) came £6. Mrs Bearcroft, halls. Eva changed Mrs Cattle‘s books in CUC and left car at Cook’s. Cold meat and salad. Eva in garden, deck chair; I on bed. Altered dupion skirt belt.
Friday 28th May 1954
Fine a.m. Rain later.
Eva and I to shops together in BHN. Bread at Elizabeth‘s. Bap 6d, meat. Home and then Eva to meet Mrs Hill. Round of beef. Rests. Ironed. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Alys phoned after lunch (don’t write Kitty yet). Sewed coolie hat. “Any Questions”, good – Anthony Wedgwood Benn, Edward Boyle, Mary Stocks.
Saturday 29th May 1954
Fair and showers.
Eva long phone talk with Phil who called up at 10. Eva and I in BHN to shops, and Cook’s. Got CUC. Eva made mince into fried pastry little rissole things. Rhubarb and cream. I did coolie hat. Rested. Eva for a walk to get snapshots. She cleaned CUC. I gardened. “His Majesty Preserved” – Charles II and Oak Apple Day. “The Queen‘s Necklace”.
Memo:
Mrs Bearcroft spring-cleaned Alys’ room.
Sunday 30th May 1954
Dull. Some sun p.m.
We drove to Mrs Hills in CUC to ask her to change to Tuesday. Grilled pork chops, new carrots and new potatoes. Ice cream and prunes. I sewed coolie hat. At 4, to George and Joy Buchanan‘s to tea. Eva drove us in CUC. Edward (3 next week). Forsyte “The Man of Property” began 8.30. “The Archaeologist: Avebury” 10, Stuart Piggott.
Monday 31st May 1954
Fair. Windy, cool.
Eva to town. Mrs Bearcroft and I began spring-cleaning my room. Washed. BHN to Boots and Quix and “Omo”. Cold mince and salad, beets, rhubarb. Wrote Ruffer with cheque £5.15.0 and Saida Sime. Eva back about 6 (5.4 from Marylebone). Kitty phoned re. mattress. Evening Standard crossword. “Myself a Stranger”, Hugh Burden acted and wrote it.
Tuesday 1st June 1954
Cold, dull.
Spring-cleaning my room with Mrs Bearcroft. Eva to meet Mrs Hill and get soles – fish and chips. Ironed. Wrote Alys and Kitty. Eva rest and then to post and buy Evening Standard and liver sausage. Crossword in evening. (Eva got Kit’s mattress from Rickmansworth). We left CUC at Cook’s (starter reconditioned).
Wednesday 2nd June 1954
Cold, grey.
Took Eva to 10.17. Shopped. Got book for Mrs Cattle. Brett came – privet clipped. At 2.30 to Boys Club, Conservative Dress Show, (Mrs Wickham). Mrs Pennefeather in chair. Mrs Gordon-Spencer (candidate) spoke very well. Mrs Kemp-Harper 5 Moor Park Road. Met Eva at 5.30. (Wrote Frank Archer, re. photo).
Thursday 3rd June 1954
Dull a.m. Fine p.m.
Cozy stove lighted – so cold and grey. Eva had sad letter from Eve, and was very upset by it. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned windows and paint in my room. Eva to shops and Mrs Hill. I to haircut (Wells) 12.15. Sausages. new potatoes, gooseberry tart! Cream. Eva and I made toile of pattern for her to fit. In garden, weeding. Landrost S.A. (South African) sherry. “The English Sunday”, Sabbath observed, Billy Graham.
Friday 4th June 1954
Fine, warm.
Eva and BHN to station. 10.17 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions, walked to Harrison’s (watch glass 3/6), to Bourne & Hollingsworth. To Fern’s, 1lb coffee at 6/6! Lunch Forte’s 1/6. 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Wrote Kitty, Phil (re. sedative for Eva) and James. Washed kitchen floor. Marylebone 5.8 to Northwood. Eva met me in BHN. Sherry. Eva cutting out frock.
Saturday 5th June 1954
Fine a.m. Heavy thunderstorm and hail in p.m.
Eva to shops in BHN. Sewed coolie hat-band and finished hat. Cold lamb, salad, apricots and ice cream. Eva felt getting a cold; on her bed p.m. and making voile frock. I lay on bed (dark and thunder); later 5 – 6 weeded in garden. “Arsenic and Old Lace”. Margaret Lockwood (“Variety Playhouse”), evacuee child. CUC back.
Memo:
Call for watch glass and radio – Derbin, Crawford Street 13.6.
30th To George and Joy Buchanan‘s 4 – 4.30.
5th James’ 17th birthday.
3rd 12.15 hair.
10th Anniversary of D-Day landings in Normandy.
Sunday 6th June 1954
Cold. Grey. Showers.
Eva took breakfast in bed and lunch (fetched them up herself). I finished elastic on hat (coolie). Rest and read Brontë book. At 4, Eva drove us in CUC to Watford. Petrol (to left of Bridge’s). Cinema – “5 Fingers”, James Mason as butler traitor and Bob Hope, Jane Russell in “Son of Pale Face”. Home at 7.45. Alys phoned. “The Man of Property” (Forsyte).
Monday 7th June 1954
Some sun. Grey and rain at 6.15 and evening.
Eva took breakfast upstairs but up and about after. I weeding front garden. Australian tinned curried steak. Rest p.m. Read and slept. More weeding. To post (she read me Eve‘s letter re. prayer man). Eva sewing voile frock. “Moon and Stars”.
Tuesday 8th June 1954
Warmer. Some sun and showers.
Met Mrs Hill. Laundry. Moths in chair. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. Cheese pudding. Eva to have hair permed – Miss Fisher. I rested and gardened and ironed dark grey coatee. Speeches at “The English Speaking Union” Dinner to General Gruenther; Churchill, Prince Philip, Attlee, Davies. Brigeon cut grass.
Wednesday 9th June 1954
Dull, rain p.m.
Eva shops and met Mrs Hill. I to Jones’ (kippers) and Hallowell Road – bast and bamboo stakes, Bank. Liver lunch (still no sleeping pills for Eva from Phil; letter lost). Eva and I in CUC to Orchard Dress Show by Johnson’s of Ruislip (for old ladies’ home) 4 – 5.30. “It’s An Ill Wind”, Winston Clewes.
(Wettest June week for 50 years).
Thursday 10th June 1954
Thundery showers and sunny intervals.
Phil‘s letter dated 6th with Medinal prescription. Still no answer from Teddy to Eva‘s letter and decision. A letter written 5th (2nd post). Mrs Bearcroft, spring-cleaning Phil‘s bedroom. Eva to Watford with her sewing machine. I in garden and sewing. Sausages (cold). At 1:15 both in CUC to Rex, “Knock on Wood”, Danny Kaye, very good and “Flannelfoot” 2.3. Eva doing Elsa’s dress sleeves. “20 Questions”.
Friday 11th June 1954
Heavy showers.
Wrote Alys in train, 10. 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 10.17. Sandwich, cold bacon lunch. To Bank and Webster‘s, to Fern’s 2lb coffee (Brett). Tickets for Malvern. To 11 Chandos Street. Tea and very good lecture on King Henry VII Chapel. 6.38 to Northwood. Eva cooked eggs and bacon. “The Cambridge Union” debate. John Betjeman and Norman Birkett, Nicholas Tomalin, Raghavan lyer.
Saturday 12th June 1954
Rain all day.
No letters. Eva to shops. I tidied desk a bit. Steak pie. Eva to Watford to film “The Rainbow Jacket”. I rested, also ironed and sewed spotted coattee. Poached eggs. “Emergency Call”, (rare blood group).
Memo:
9th Orchard 3.30 for 4.
11th B.A.A. Annual General Meeting. Eva to Harrod’s, Great Missenden.
8th Eva to hairdresser p.m.
10th “Knock on Wood”.
BHN on charge 10.30 14th (new battery October ’53).
Sunday 13th June 1954
Dull, cold, windy.
Wrote Saida Sime re. Boyd portraits. Eva cooked roast beef and Yorkshire puddings, ice cream. 2.20 in CUC to 60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue. I to see Sissie. Eva to see Mr Berry and Malcolm and family. She came for me at 4.25 and to Lois to tea. Alan Blaikley in later. Away at about 6. Welsh rarebit. W. H. Davies, “Super Tramp”.
Monday 14th June 1954
Fine to fair.
Eva to town (lino, pipe for Teddy). Mrs Bearcroft, Phil‘s bedroom. BHN battery down, so walked to Post Office and got “Renascence” 15/6. Steak pie, rhubarb. Finished spotted coattee, ironed it and tweed coat. Eva back about 6. Sherry and biscuits. Grey nylon frock 13 guineas. “Round Britain Quiz”, “Catherine Carter”, “Henry VIII”, A Tribute to Sybil Thorndyke on her Golden Jubilee – all-star cast, Theatre.
Tuesday 15th June 1954
Fine, windy.
Eva to shops and meet Mrs Hill and then to Watford for machine (5d). Mrs Bearcroft finished Phil‘s room. Eva polished furniture in Alys’ room. I made pocket for dark grey skirt and gardened. Tied up plants. Defrosted Fridge. Eva to Ruislip re. shorthand £20! Looked at Jim Archer’s photographs till 9.
Wednesday 16th June 1954
Eva to town for grey nylon lino. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Eva‘s room. I wrote to Grace Archer. Met Mrs Hill, got corner bacon 14/4. Washed and boned mats. Eva back 5.45. Tea. Alys phoned. Kippers, tinned strawberries and cream. “Someone at the Door”, Dorothy and Campbell Christie – poor comedy thriller.
Young blackbird in nest, honeysuckle June 17th.
2 young blackbirds on June 16th.
Hen chaffinch feeding one young one on tree. Very tame chaffinch.
Thursday 17th June 1954
Fair, mild.
I to shops for lettuce, Bank. Eva washing. Mrs Bearcroft did Eva’s room. 2.30 Eva to Ruislip for shorthand course 1st time (Miss Beasley). I sewed navy straw coolie for Eva. Eva cut out pale blue cotton frock with navy stars on it. Alys phoned.
Friday 18th June 1954
Fair, mild.
Brett came. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room (ready for Eve). I to get bread and fish. Mrs Hill made shepherds pie (baked cod for us). Eva changed bedrooms and made beds. At 3 Eva shorthand lesson. I made fruit salad. Mrs Bearcroft did kitchen. Eva back to tea, 5.30. Alys and Phil arrived from Aldeburgh about 10.
Saturday 19th June 1954
Fair, mild.
Alys, Eva and Phil to Northampton, Overstone School at 11. I packed. Lunch (cold fish)). At about 3, phoned Colliver Fisher and to station. 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Out for milk, bread, cheese, eggs, oranges, cherries. To Classic, “Odette” with Anna Neagle and Trevor Howard and Peter Ustinov, Marius Goring (German), very good. Supper about 8. “Goodness How Sad|, rather silly play B.B.C.
Memo:
18th Alys and Phil here.
19th Eve’s ½ term. I to Bicky.
15th Mrs Hill instead of Monday.
16th Mrs Bearcroft – as well as Monday and Tuesday; also Friday morning and p.m. for spring cleaning.
Sunday 20th June 1954
Fine, warm.
Out for Observer and Radio Times. Read papers. Beef stew (Amy) and peas. Rest. At 4 to Classic 2/4, “The Astonished Heart” by Noël Coward – Celia Johnson and Margaret Leighton. Soup; and liver and cheese sandwich making. Phoned Northwood. “The Group Captain”, Leonard Cheshire, Cheshire Homes. “More Tales From the Pacific Islands”, Grimble. “The Past at his Elbow”, Churchill by H. G. Nicholas.
Malvern
Monday 21st June 1954
Dull, inclined to drizzle.
Up 6.30. Taxi 9 to Paddington station. 9.45 to Malvern. Lois too. Sandwiches. Arrived 1.18, Taxi to Abbey Hotel, Lois on to Foley Arms, 1/9 each. Unpacked. Rested. Tea Wintergarden Restaurant. All members to Priory Church. Marvellous old glass. To Lois‘ hotel. She and I had egg and chips and ice at tiny café which closed at 7. 3/4 each. To bed. Room 33.
Tuesday 22nd June 1954
Perfect day.
9.30 start – 2 coaches. To Great Witley Church, rococo. Then Dowles Manor House. Then 12 Tickenhill Folk Museum. Lunch George Hotel, Bewdley. All at one long table. Hagley Hall (Guide). Harvington Hall, moat. Roman Catholic hide- holes. Tea there. Back. Dined with Lois, Foley Arms. Lecture, Morgan on chained library.
Wednesday 23rd June 1954
Perfect.
9.15 coach to Kilpeck. To Hereford. Canon, then lunch at Booth Hall. (Hillkirk’s) Cathedral, chained library. Eye Manor, Chris Sanford, Golden Cockerel Press. Leominster – St Peter and St Paul. Tea, Talbot Hotel. Old Brockhampton Manor House.
Churchill and Eden flew for weekend visit to Eisenhower, Washington.
Thursday 24th June 1954
Perfect.
9.30 to Much Marcle Church. Hellens Manor (Major Munthe delightful). Homme House. Tea and biscuits. Hall Court (Sir John Coke). Lunch at Feathers, Ledbury. Church. Deerhurst – much Saxon work, Canon Hicks-Potter of Gloucester. Tea The Bell in Tewkesbury. Tewkesbury Abbey. Dinner, Foley Arms. Miss Matley Moore talk on glass windows 8.30.
Friday 25th June 1954
Grey.
To Worcester Cathedral. Then Greyfriars, Matley Moore’s. Tea. Spetchley Church. Lunch Star Hotel. Ombersley Court, Lord Sandys was not there. Westwood Park (made into flats). Tea, Raven Hotel, Droitwich. Very good hotel. Madresfield Court, Lord and Lady Beauchamp showed us round. Lois dined with me at Abbey Hotel.
Northwood
Saturday 26th June 1954
Fair to fine.
Packed. Shopped for rolls and cherries. Taxi at 11 (Lois brought suitcase) and both to Paddington station by 11.49 train (Roxburgh). Arrived 3.40. Taxi, Baker Street. Phoned Eva at Northwood. Phil(!) met me in BHN. He and Alys still there. Tea, talk, rest, supper. Talk. “To Let Furnished”.
Memo:
B.A.A. Malvern 21st to 26th Abbey Hotel 1486.
Paddington 9.45 arrive 1.18 38/– return. 1.17.8 + 1/–.
23rd Eva back?
26th Leave Malvern 11.49.
23rd Curtains due back from Davis.
News reel at 7 (on 28th) gave Sir Winston’s answers to press men at luncheon. Came over very clearly.
Both blackbirds (Tamey and Lamey, his wife) glad to see me back. Also, widow chaffinch and 2 babies.
Sunday 27th June 1954
Fine. Showers.
Phil in bed till 12.30; then to post with Eva. I wrote Abbey Hotel with 3/– in stamps (forgot tip in bedroom). Alys to see Mrs Cattle. Derek in (beer) here. Cut off dead roses. At 4.20 all to Watford in JJ. Saw “Doctor in the House” 2/8 and Gilbert Harding in police film. Scrambled eggs. Looked at Jim Archer’s photos in evening.
Monday 28th June 1954
Fair. Cool.
Phil in bed till 12.40. Talked to him (Brewer, McNab, Stewart). Alys shops. She told me of her visit to Dr Baker. Mrs Hill did curry. Picked Sweet William, and parsley for Alys to take. She and Phil to Aldeburgh in JJ at 3.40. Eva to shorthand in BHN. Walk to shops, oranges. “Catherine Carter”. Pamela Hansford Johnson. Churchill‘s answers to U.S. press 7 p.m.
Tuesday 29th June 1954
Fair. Cool.
Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ room. Letter from Kitty. Eva to shops in her car as BHN battery flat. Cook’s man up and changed batteries but mine was sparking. At 2.40 Eva to shorthand in CUC. I in garden, and wrote Kitty, also Alys with Kit’s letter and copy of mine to her. Eva did shorthand and I machined her blue cotton dress.
Wednesday 30th June 1954
Fine.
Eve and I to shops and met Mrs Hill in CUC. Cook towed BHN away. Eva had hair done. Brett came 12/3, 9.30 – 1. Wrote Lois with check £3.15.6. Wrote Sunday Times. To post (twice). Eva to shorthand. I gardened and hose on spinach and mint. Scrambled eggs. Picked little strawberries and ate with cream.
Czech and Egyptian – Drobný, tennis champion and Maureen Connolly (Wimbledon).
Russians win 3, Henley.
Thursday 1st July 1954
Dull, cool.
Phoned Income Tax (Uxbridge) and laundry re. eiderdown. Eva phoned Coastal Command, and at 11 went to be examined for going overseas. To shops and Bank in BHN, which Cook brought back (cut-out dynamo). Cold sausages and salad. Eva to shorthand in BHN. Unpicked things. Took Eva to station 5.29 (she to 119 Bickenhall Mansions for night then Sherborne). Alys phoned 8.30 re. Kitty and Freer’s.
Friday 2nd July 1954
Fair.
To Boots for Mrs Cattle‘s book. To get mince, vegetables. Met Mrs Hill. Wrote Alys for her birthday (70th!), lettercard to Kitty. Airmail letter to Teddy for his birthday on 8th. BHN and 1.53 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Marks & Spencer‘s and changed Alys’ blouse. Got scarf. Home by 4.45 and BHN back. Gardened, planted crocosmias (Mrs Hill’s). Talk on “Piltdown”, fraud (hoax).
Saturday 3rd July 1954
Fair. Showers p.m.
Walked to shops. Let out Eva‘s Singapore blouse. Washed Phil’s stockings and own things. In garden, weeding and tying up. Cooked own rhubarb. Didn’t listen to play “My Lord Cardinal”. Switch in airing cupboard very hot, turned it off.
Memo:
2nd Eva to Sherborne (James’ reunion).
(To Bicky on 1st).
Paid £7 for CUC battery as birthday present for Teddy; wrote him on 2nd.
END OF RATION BOOKS!!! – since January 1940.
(at one time 11½d worth of meat per week).
Sunday 4th July 1954
Sun and showers.
Alys’ 70th birthday. In garden cutting roses, but too frequent heavy showers. Washed stool cover with Tide. Did Eva‘s blouse (Singapore). Tamey sat beside me on mat as I sewed by open dining-room door. Sewed Chinese blue (Doz) blouse. Welsh rarebit. Lettercard to Alys re. eggs. Eva phoned from Bicky 7.15.
Monday 5th July 1954
Dull, but no rain! Cool.
Phoned re. immersion heater. Met Mrs Hill, and bought neck lamb 5/2. Man from Green Lane Electric, Overend’s son came. Ironed Chinese blouse and sewed it. Defrosted Fridge after supper. “Diplomacy”, Victorien Sardou. (Eva at 119 Bickenhall Mansions).
Tuesday 6th July 1954
Sun and showers. Very cool.
Eva‘s 44th birthday. Brigeon cut lawns. Man came at 8.50 to do wiring for immersion heater to garage. Carpet up. Mrs Bearcroft and I did laundry. She did sitting room. I to shops and at 12 Eva phoned and I met her. She did typing and after lunch to shorthand. Gave her £5 cheque for birthday. Alys phoned Eva. Eva phoned Phil re. inoculation and “horse serum”.
Wednesday 7th July 1954
Fine, warmer.
Brett here. Eva to get bacon and then 10.45 to “Coastal” and have inoculations and vaccination. I walked and met Mrs Hill, who took fish back. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions and Bank and Webster & Girling’s for Kitty’s ticket. Lunch and to get coffee, Fern’s and walked in shops. 23 to Baker Street. 4 train to Northwood. Eva back from shorthand. Picked sweet peas, altered dresses.
Only “Lamey” came. Is Tamey dead?
Thursday 8th July 1954
Dull, cool.
Eva stayed in bed (breakfast in dressing gown) till 11.30 and doing shorthand. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned her room. I to shops in BHN. Cold bacon lunch and cherries. Eva to shorthand in BHN. I did “Teddy‘s” blouse and then my Chinese blouse and ironed. Nellie Barnard phoned; Sissie “breaking up”. I phoned nurse and ward. “Of Human Bondage”, Somerset Maugham.
Friday 9th July 1954
Fineish, warm.
Eva worked in bed till 10.45 and then to meet Mrs Hill. I sewed, and fed Lamey. Hot mutton. At 2 to Finchley Road and to see Sissie. Very thin and weak. Mrs Rothwell came. I cut off Sissie’s hair, at her request. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions and phoned Alys re. Freer’s and Eva. She met me by 7.29. After bacon and strawberries and cream, I talked with Matron on phone – “Sissie deteriorating”.
Saturday 10th July 1954
Fair.
Took Eva to 9.20 and on to take Mrs Hill her money £1.4.6 (and milk bill 4/6). To shops. Home, washed my hair. Lunch. Eva phoned. Met her at Northwood Hills station. To Rex, “A Stranger’s Hand”, Trevor Howard -Venice, boy of 7. Also “Who Goes There?” sentry and Irish girl, A. E. Matthews. In garden. Picked wild strawberries for supper. “Who killed Rikhjovic”, tennis player, Australian by Rex Rienits. 5 Eva to Debenham’s Sale and home p.m.
Sunday 11th July 1954
Fair, warm.
Doing various packings. Eva’s thin dress hem. She her blue star frock. Wrote Nellie Moir re. Sissie (Nellie Barnard rang up, after taking Minister to Sissie). Picked sweet peas. Eva to post. Sewed. Packed bag. Alys phoned.
Durham
Monday 12th July 1954
Fair, mild.
Up 6.30. Eva took me to 8.26 in BHN. Kings Cross and met Lois and Laurie. 9.40 to Durham (sandwiches), arrived 1.7 York (booked Pullmans). 1.40 on to Durham, arrived 3. Taxi to Hatfield College. Unpacked. Tea at Carrick’s. In Cathedral. Rest. Dinner 7. To Mayor’s (Mrs Blythe), Civic Welcome. 8, speeches, Dr Corder, Mr Blyth. To bed 10.15.
Tuesday 13th July 1954
Fine and fair.
Breakfast 8.30. At 9.45 Cathedral Library and relics of St Cuthbert. 11 Cathedral. Lunch 1, Hatfield. Coaches to Finchale Priory, all p.m. Tea. Durham Castle very good! Over Castle with Charlton. 10 minutes rest till dinner. 7 reception at Castle by Council of Durham colleges. Mrs Holden and Dr (Science) Hugh Scott – Hinterland of Hadrian’s Wall.
Wednesday 14th July 1954
Fine.
9 coach to Jarrow; and at 11 to South Shields Roman Fort Museum. Picnic lunch at Roker and drinks, Seaburn Hotel. On to Monkwearmouth Church (very windy). Lumley Castle at 3. Tea there. 5, Chester-le-Street effigies. Home 6.10. Rest. Dinner at 7. To Egyptian museum (£14,000), nice head of Oriental Studies. To bed 9.45.
Thursday 15th July 1954
Fine.
9.15 to Escomb Church 700 A.D. Then 11 Staindrop Castle. 12 Barnard Castle! To Bowes Museum. Picnic lunch in grounds. 2.5 to Bowes Castle (20 minutes), on to Rey Cross Roman camp. Tea at Bowes Museum. 5 Egglestone Abbey(over Abbey Bridge). Back at 7.15 and dinner 7.30. Lois and I out at the Wear side until 9 curfew; back across Palace Green.
Friday 16th July 1954
Dull, drizzly.
To Gibside (Mausoleum), on to Lanchester Church, and then Lanchester Roman Fort. Lunch, Hatfield College. Got postcards (Phil). 2 to Brancepeth Church, and Auckland Castle (Bishop’s Palace), Charlton. Tea Kings Café, Bishop Auckland. To “The Castles”, Hamsterley. Dinner 7.45. To Cathedral after. Packed. With Lois, Laurie – Vicker’s.
Northwood
Saturday 17th July 1954
Dull.
At 9.15 luggage by cars and we all to Prebends Bridge. Coaches 9.45. Walked to St Andrew’s, Auckland Church. To Haughton-le-Skerne. Lunch King’s Head, Darlington. Pullman train 100 minutes late; so at 3.15 train to Kings Cross. Vickery too. Arrived 8.5. Metro to Baker Street. 8.20 to Northwood, Colliver Fisher. Alys in bed (since Wednesday) sickness and diarrhoea. Eva tired. Phil phoned.
Memo:
R.A.I. Durham 12th to 17th. Alys here with Eva 12th – 16th.
Kings Cross 9.40. Leave Northwood 8.26 Freer‘s?
12th Alys to 12 Grove Road till 16th.
Sissie – extra nurse from 11th £4.4.0.
20th Tamey reappeared!
Sunday 18th July 1954
Dullish, mild.
Alys down for breakfast in dressing-gown and back to bed, but dressed for dinner. Sat in her room, and heard about her awful days, Monday and Wednesday. Cold beef and salad, gooseberries and cream. I to Sissie’s. BHN, train, and taxi to 60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue. She dictated letter to Dorothy Thorburn, signed cheques. Home at 6. Eva to sherry at the Wickham‘s. Alys made kedgeree! Captain Eric Bush on D-Day – “Ten Year’s Back – Off the Beaches”.
Monday 19th July 1954
Fine, warm.
Alys better, very rheumatic. I to Jones’ and Mrs Hill. Picked sweet peas. Phoned Ernest Vernor Miles re. Sissie. Gardened. Curry. In garden. Rest. Walked to station for Radio Times (sold out). Picked strawberries for supper. Got pen for Sissie 3/4. Kippers. Eva to shorthand in BHN.
Tuesday 20th July 1954
Fine, warm.
Mrs Bearcroft. Phoned 60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue. Eva to Ryder’s and then dressmaker (caravan). Mrs Hill came. I to Fitzjohn’s Avenue. Taxi. Saw Matron. Lunch at café. With Sissie till 3.45. Doctor Haslam came and witnessed Sissie’s signature and Power of Attorney. Home 5. Alys at Mrs Cattle‘s. Eva shorthand. Sat on veranda.
Wednesday 21st July 1954
Fine.
Alys and Eva to shops and meet Mrs Hill in BHN. I did washing. Brett came. Liver and bacon. Wrote Ernest Vernor Miles with Power of Attorney paper. Wrote Barbara (congratulations exam and scholarship). Wrote Matron (60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue). To post. Eva to shorthand (I to Bank a.m. BHN), got 2 torch refills. Alys got Kitty‘s room ready. Sardines. Sat on veranda, tea.
Thursday 22nd July 1954
Fine. Dull p.m.
Wrote Matron with cheque – 60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue. To shops and Post Office (Alys’ parcels) in BHN. Eva took Alys to station 11.29 (Alys to Aldeburgh. Cold meats and salad. Eva to shorthand in BHN. I to post shirts parcel and get blackcurrant. Wrote Amy Steel (congratulations), made an apricot mousse and rhubarb fool. Kitty arrived 6.20 (George brought her). Sherry, cold bacon, yoghurt. Sea Pollution – “Spoiling Britain’s Beaches – The Menace of Oil Pollution”.
Friday 23rd July 1954
Fair, dull.
To get chicken and met Mrs Hill. Took Kitty to station 11.41 (Waterloo, “Barleymow”). Cold meats and blackcurrant. Picked sweet peas for Mrs Hill and Mrs Bearcroft. Eva to shorthand. I rested on bed. Made custard for rhubarb fool. Kit back 5.45. Eva 5.50. Kippers and cantaloupe (Kitty brought).
Saturday 24th July 1954
Fair, dull.
To shops. Kitty (after breakfast) on her bed all day (down to lunch), bath at 5.30 and dressed. Eva made a white petticoat. I rested p.m. (slept). Gardened, Eva too. Cold chicken lunch and vegetable marrow and salad and apricot mousse and my 6 years old stories in evening.
Memo:
22nd Kitty comes p.m. Leaves Deal.
23rd Lois to Sissie.
22nd Alys to Aldeburgh.
Sarah (George and Joy Buchanan’s) born 26th.
119 Bickenhall Mansions 26th, 27th, 28th.
Sunday 25th July 1954
Rain all day.
Wrote lettercard to Alys. Kit in bed till 1. Eva cleaned her room for Eve. I grilled cutlets and tomatoes and sausages. Jelly. To see Sissie. Gave her tea. Took cheque-book. Left £3 in drawer. Home 5.55. News of George and Joy’s baby on the way. Barbara to supper. Cold chicken and bacon, raspberries and currants and cream.
Monday 26th July 1954
Rain a.m. Fine later.
George and Joy, a daughter. Mrs Bearcroft came. Eva to town. I failed to start BHN by putting it in gear!! Cook came. Mrs Bearcroft to get meat. Kitty got Fuller’s cake. Mrs Hill hot joint. At 2.15 in BHN took Marconi to Munnion. Kit (Colliver Fisher) 2.36 Marylebone. Taxi 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Out to shops. Phoned George, Barbara, Kath, Will Blaikley, Ruegg. I phoned Dr Haslam, Eva and Mrs Hearn.
Tuesday 27th July 1954
Showers.
Eva came with Kit’s hat box and vest. Kit to Hampstead. I to Fern’s. After lunch, I to 60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue. Gave Sissie grapes. To 26 Thurlow Road. Back to Sissie, to say ok. Mrs Hearn (12.12.0). To Lawes’, Haverstock Hill re. Sissie’s furniture. On to Dr Haslam, 161 Adelaide Road re. ambulance. Home to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Wrote Rothwell, Nellie Moir. Phoned Nellie Barnard. Tongue.
Wednesday 28th July 1954
Showers, gales.
Kitty shopping, out for lunch. After boiled egg, I at 1 to 60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue. Mrs Rothwell and I sorted and packed Sissie’s things. She in taxi at 4. I with Sissie (having told Matron and going). Phoned Dr Haslam. Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Taxi from Netherhall, George Buchanan – sherry, cheesestraws. “High Tension” play. (Wrote Alys lettercard, phoned Ernest Vernon Miles a.m.).
Thursday 29th July 1954
Fair, cool.
(Water cold). Kitty to shops and Ruegg’s to lunch. I to shops. At 1.15 up to 60 Fitzjohn’s Avenue (taxi). Mrs Rothwell packing; at 2.20 ambulance took Sissie, Mrs Rothwell and me to 26 Thurlow Road. Desk, bedside table, night stool by Lawe’s. Home 4. Rest, sleep. Wrote lettercard Alys and Nellie Moir. Post. Kit back (drinks with Handy), supper.
Friday 30th July 1954
Dull, cool.
To 26 Thurlow Road. Cheque to Mrs Hearn. Read “Suffolk” by Morton while Sissie being washed. Parrot. Tidied drawers in Sissie‘s rooms. Mrs Gallaher. Taxi home. Lunch with Kitty. She away 3 to Hampton Bridge. Rested. George at 5.45 for Kitty’s luggage. Phoned Lois and Nellie Barnard.
Saturday 31st July 1954
Dull, cool.
Slept till 8.15! Out at 9.15 for bread. Home. 10.30 to National Provincial Bank, Selfridges, fruit, mutton 2/-, Fropax peas 2/5, potato pouffées. Lunch. Rest all p.m. 2 playlets. Chicken soup. On bed again. “Happy Ending”, Ian Hey.
Memo:
30th Kitty to George’s, Hunton Bridge.
27th Eve back and James from schools.
26th Kitty to Bicky with me.
25th Barbara to supper, 12 Grove Road.
29th Sissie to 26 Thurlow Road, ambulance 29th 2 p.m.
31st Mrs Bearcroft’s holidays begin.
Sunday 1st August 1954
Dull.
(Kitty’s 75th birthday). Cleaned a bit in bathroom. Beefsteak pie (Frood’s 2/6 – 2 portions) and peas. Rest. At 2.30 to Sissie’s via Warren Street and Belsize Park. (2d bus, 5d tube). Wrote 10/6 cheque for clock and postcard to Janet Roberts. Home by 2 bus from Finchley Road. Cold pork and salad. Dr Albert Schweitzer “Reverence For Life”.
Monday 2nd August 1954
Dull.
Out for Times, and on to 45 Park Lane. “Dolls Through The Ages” exhibition 2/6. At 12 on to Curzon. “Genevieve” and “Le Ronde” 6/6 (Anton Walbrook). Home at 3.30. Beefsteak pie and peas. Rest. Gilbert Murray “Are Our Pearls Real?”, Classical Association’s Jubiiee Meeting. Supper 8.45 bacon and salad. “Heroes Don’t Care”, Margot Neville.
Tuesday 3rd August 1954
Very warm. Muggy.
Wrote Alys. To Selfridges, biro and refill for Sissie. To BBC (no Murray in Listener). After lunch washed hair. 3.6 to Northwood. Eva met me in BHN. James and Eve at 12 Grove Road. Tea. Picked sweet peas (James). Back to Bicky (James helped defrost Fridge). “Slow Rises Worth”, Sam Johnson.
Wednesday 4th August 1954
Very warm. Dull.
Out to near shops. Washed things. Cleaned gas stove jets. Rest. Out to shops again at 4.30. Chicken puff 1/– (Frood) and peas 9d. “Forty Years After”.
Thursday 5th August 1954
Dull, cool.
To shops. Lunch. At 2.30 to Swiss Cottage. Walked up Daleham Gardens (no taxis) to 26 Thurlow Road. With Sissie till 4.45. To 90 Heath Street. Took plate to Mabel Lane. To Ayrton’s to supper – Tessa there. “Leocadia”, Anouilh, Peter Wyngarde.
Friday 6th August 1954
Thunderstorms. Sunny p.m.
To Selfridge’s and biro, Bond Street. Wrote Lawes re. Sissie’s bed table and Eva Deacon (for 5). Washed dusters. 4.45 to Northwood. Eva met me with BHN. Drove home. Eva to fetch CUC from Cook’s. James tied Eve’s cycle on CUC. Tunny supper. Sandwiches made by Eve.
Saturday 7th August 1954
Showers and sun. Thunder.
Eva, James and Eve away to Aldeburgh about 10.50. In BHN to High Street. Smith’s (re. Times). Cold bacon, blackcurrant and cream. Wrote Savoy Theatre for tickets, Cook’s bill. Mr Shuttleworth posted 11 a.m. Rest, dozed. “The Recording Angel” and garden, sweet peas. Thunder. “Death at Dancing Stones, Mary Fitt.
Memo:
5th Sissie, then Elsa about 4.30 and to supper.
Kit to Ruegg’s 6th. I to Bicky.
7th Berry’s to Aldeburgh.
5th Mabel Lane 4 – 5 (90 Heath Street).
11th Bicky.
Sunday 8th August 1954
Very showery. Some sun. Cool.
Sorted Sissie’s papers and tore up a lot. Wrote Alys, and Eva. To pillarbox. Antoni Klimowicz, Polish stowaway on Polish boat on wireless. In garden a very little, picked spinach and cooked it with poached eggs. Leonard Cottrell on “The New Pyramid”. (Apple sauce from our apples).
Monday 9th August 1954
Heavy rain till 3. Fine. Cool.
To meet Mrs Hill and got half shoulder lamb 7/6 and marrow. Wrote Elsa re. Amy Steel and Sissie’s Bank Manager. Later in p.m. 4.30 it was fine. BHN to get biscuit tin (thin Bath Olivers), sugar. Weeded in garden. Kitty phoned from Ruegg’s (going to Newcastle September 6th?). “Law in Action – Driving While Under the Influence” 3rd programme. Talk on law. “Hilaire Belloc and His Songs”.
Tuesday 10th August 1954
Heavy showers. Cool, windy p.m.
Did up Eva‘s macintosh and skirt and took to Post Office. In garden. Brigeon cut lawns. Cold lamb and salad. Reorganised dining room curtains (badly rotted and re-dipped) and hung them up. Wrote Alys and to post. Fed Tamey and Lamey. Weeded.
Wednesday 11th August 1954
Fine on whole. Shower a.m.
BHN to Bank. (Sissie’s cheque) Met Mrs Hill. She did mince. 1.53 to Bicky. At 2.40 Bus to Swiss Cottage. Taxi to 26 Thurlow Road, 2/3 with tip. Nellie Barnard came. Stayed till 5.15, then to 8 The Mount. Kitty at Ruegg’s house. Took her sherry. Supper. Man to clean cellar!!! Tube and bus to Baker Street. Slept 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 12th August 1954
Heavy showers. Thundery.
To Herbal shop, ordered 2 mixtures. On by 8 and 19 buses to Rosebery Avenue. Took ring to be mended, Eric Barnard and Miss Townshend. To Baker Street. To Northwood. Walked up about 12.45. Mince. On bed in p.m. Slept and read. Felt sickish. In garden. Picked sweet peas. Bacon and tomato supper. “Pakistan Town Forum”.
Friday 13th August 1954
Fair, sunny.
Brett came. Washed old sheet bits. In BHN, met Mrs Hill. To Bank. Mrs Hill got fresh haddock for lunch and stew for tomorrow. Mrs Bearcroft p.m., kitchen. Rest, sleep. Arranged tweed skirt. Picked strawberries for supper. “Blenheim”, account of Palace at Woodstock, B.B.C. and James McKechnie read Churchill‘s history of the battle.
Saturday 14th August 1954
Very fine.
Walked to get rolls, lettuce, and cream. Stew and spinach (picked it) and pastry. Weeded a little. Washed blouse and mats. Sewed tweed skirt and curtain. Short rest. Play (went to sleep). “A Yank at the Court of King Arthur”.
Memo:
Mrs Bearcroft holidays 8th –12th. 12 Moorhurst, Whitminster, Near Gloucester.
18th Mrs Rothwell, Sissie.
14th – 28th Bangor (St Mary’s College, North Wales).
11th To Sissie, and to Kitty at Ruegg’s, 8 The Mount for supper.
BHN on charge – 18th.
Sunday 15th August 1954
Fine.
Defrosted Fridge. Wrote lettercard to Eva. Wrote Gilbert Murray re. his talk on Classics. Stew and spinach, plums and ice cream. Weeded, and picked strawberries. Machined 2 linen cloths (from old sheets) and 1 pillowcase. “The Court of Miracles” by Jean Prieur. “Martin Chuzzlewit”, “The Assyrian Lion Hunt”, R. D. Barnett, British Museum.
Monday 16th August 1954
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. To meet Mrs Hill, she did minced ham (supper). I made another pillowcase and 2 cloths. After lunch weeded by pinks for an hour or so. Wrote Elsa re. frock. Rest on bed. “Return to Tyassi”, Benn Levy.
Tuesday 17th August 1954
Dull. Rain (light) p.m.
Laundry. Letter from Gilbert Murray! Wrote Kit (invited me to Newcastle). Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room (though full of trunks, school). Machined and ironed old tweed skirt. Ham omelette. To shops for butter, margarine, plums. Picked sweet peas. Stewed plums and greengages. Kippers. Senator Sparks “At Home and Abroad”.
Wednesday 18th August 1954
Dull. Coolish. Windy.
Brett at 9.30 – 1, 12/3. Put BHN on charge. Walked to shops; sent off Eva‘s yellow cotton frock to Aldeburgh. Met Mrs Hill, sausages, cabbage, pancakes. Wrote Ernest Blaikley re. his Times article “chimney pots”. Ironed and sewed tweed skirt. “Deserted Villages”, Beresford and Darby.
19th Temperature 53°F to 57°F – lowest in August since 1871.
19th at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 19th August 1954
Cold. Dull.
Mrs Bearcroft, my bedroom. I to Bicky by 10.53. Then to Fern’s, 2lb coffee at 6/6 and ¼ at 5/4 with chicory. To get Herbal mixture 13/– and yeast 4/–. Home. To Carlton, 2.30 “Flight of White Heron”, 6/6 (Maori), Queen’s Tour, cinemascope, coloured. Home. Rest, supper. Phoned Lois. Notice re. increase of rent by £43 per annum!!!!??
Friday 20th August 1954
Dull.
At 10.40 to office, talk Mr Farn re. rent increase. To Selfridge’s, paid bill: red biro refill. To R.W.S. (The Royal Watercolour Society) Show, Conduit Street. Lois there. Lunch at Buttery. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions and then 26 Thurlow Road (taxi from Swiss Cottage 2.3 with tip). 4.18 from Finchley Road to Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. Picked strawberries. Mince and peas. “Noël Coward Introduces Words and Music”. (Mrs Hill’s own peas).
Saturday 21st August 1954
Sun and thunder.
Took BHN off charge went to Cook’s re. starting handle. Washed clothes. Mince and peas. Sewed tweed skirt band. Went over Ernest Vernor Miles‘ letters in desk re. Sissie. Picked sweet peas. L. A. G. Strong on “Yeats and the Theatre”, “Old Man’s Castle” p.m., “Golden Rain”, Delderfield (the pools and vicar).
Memo:
16th Ena Deacon to Sissie.
17th Nellie Barnard to Sissie.
20th Me to Sissie.
25th – 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 22nd August 1954
Mostly fine. Cool.
To Cattle’s as phone no reply, but telephone said receiver off. Wrote very long letter to Alys re. going to Aldeburgh; Sissie, Kitty, Freer‘s. Posted it. Made a pocket for old tweed skirt. Turned out green suitcase, and threw away lots of pieces. “Honey-Bees”, “Katherine Mansfield”, stories. Phoned Lois.
Monday 23rd August 1954
Fair. Showers p.m. Cold.
Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. I met Mrs Hill who brought own French beans. I got pork. Wrote Professor Gilbert Murray and postcards to Sissie and Nellie Barnard. In p.m. unpicked green frock (Eva‘s dyed one). Sweet peas. “That Lady”, Kate O’Brien’s story as play, Philip II of Spain.
Tuesday 24th August 1954
Rain, heavy till 4. Very wind. Cold.
Nellie Barnard phoned. Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. Not out all day except to post letter to Robert Kemp re. his book “The Malacca Cane” and lettercard to Sissie’s Bank Manager. Weeded 15 minutes, at 5.30. Rest and slept. Kitty phoned for 20 minutes (about). Wrote Margaret Hindhaugh. “The Nine Tailors”.
Wednesday 25th August 1954
Dry, sunny.
To Bicky at 12 and had lunch (took cold pork). Then to Bank (National Provincial, Temple Fortune). Opened Sissie’s silver box, and looked at things. Then to Sissie at 26 Thurlow Road. Tea. Left 4.30. To Classic, “The Inspector General”, Danny Kaye. Supper and slept at Bicky.
Thursday 26th August 1954
Very fine after midday.
Mrs Bearcroft here. Brigeon cut grass. Did up parcel clothes for Oxford Famine Relief Committee. Posted it 2/–. To Northwood. Mrs Hill brought fish and her marrowfat peas. Took her Northwood Hills in BHN. To Rex, “Elephant Walk” and “The Scarlet Web”. Home. Gardened. Lettercard to Alys re. dates for Aldeburgh. Altered tweed skirt again.
Friday 27th August 1954
Perfect day.
Brett came. I did some weeding. Met Mrs Hill, got liver and steak and kidney. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Wrote lettercard to Alys re. tinned milk and Red Cross. Sewed on tweed skirt and extra collar piece for coat. “Noël Coward Introduces Words and Music” – “The Stately Homes of England”, “Where are the songs we sung?” (songs).
Saturday 28th August 1954
Dull a.m. Fine later.
In BHN to station for “John O’London’s Weekly” (for Sissie). Petrol, oil and air. Gardened – weeds. Finished neck of tweed coat (old), sewed upstairs. Play, “Safe Custody” – good (reformed safe-breaker and Scotch wife). “No Highway”.
Memo:
25th To Sissie. Lois on Tuesday to 5.30.
28th Mrs Rothwell back.
29th To Sissie.
1st – 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 29th August 1954
Put airing blanket in Eve‘s bed. Picked spinach and roses. Weeded. Stew and spinach lunch. At 2.10 train to Finchley Road (BHN, Eastbury Road). Taxi 26 Thurlow Road. Sissie sleepy (Mrs Hearn said morphine). Gave her hot milk 4. Gave Mrs Hearn cheqie for £25 (to 26th). “In the Mesh” (L’Engrenage), Jean-Paul Sartre.
Monday 30th August 1954
Fine, warm.
Aired James‘ bed. Met Mrs Hill, got “blade” of pork. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned bedrooms. Sewed curtain, on garden door. Washed and ironed tablemats. Weeded spinach. “The Doctor’s Dilemma”, “The Megalithic Temples of Malta”.
Tuesday 31st August 1954
Perfect day.
BHN to Bank and Hudson’s – tuna fish (2 round tins). Aired Eva‘s bed. Mrs Bearcroft did dining room. Late lunch. Bought onions 7/6 off French boy. At about 5.30 – 6 the Berry’s arrived in CUC. Tea. Looked at snapshots.
Wednesday 1st September 1954
Fine and hot. 85°F.
To Bicky at 12. At 2.15 to Sissie‘s, taxi 1.9 + 6d. Wrote letters to Menie, and Nellie Moir; dictated, but Nellie‘s Sissie had written herself. I put a note in. Home at 5.50. Rest. Supper of supreme of chicken (2/–), Frood – good. “British Association for the Advancement of Science Oxford 1954 Inaugural Meeting And Presidential Address”.
2nd –119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 2nd September 1954
Cloudy, windy.
To shops. Washed kitchen floor, and scrubbed. Washed and then painted dustbin (white)). To pay electricity bill. To Classic at 4.35, “The Black Rose” 2/4 Orson Wells (chief), Tyrone Power (Saxon), Jack Hawkins (archer). Petra (Arabian desert).
Friday 3rd September 1954
Fair.
Phoned Eva and Eric Barnard. To Barnard’s by 18. Got Dorothy Barnard‘s ring 7/6 paid. 19 to Tottenham Court Road (St Giles Circus). To Fern’s 2lb coffee at 6/6. Home. Lunch and cleaned windowsills. Eva and Eve in at 4.20, and all back to Northwood in CUC. Gathered apples and sweet peas. Shepherds pie. Tired. To bed 8.30. Eva tired too.
Saturday 4th September 1954
Perfect day.
Eva and Eve to shops in BHN. I made applesauce. Sainsbury’s meat pies and carrots. Sat on veranda p.m. knitting Eve’s cardigan. Eva too. James wiring wireless. Man came re. driving lesson. Eve began 3rd brown horse. Eva and James to Ricky (James driving). I with James to Munnion’s for battery 7.6 (and Abdulla Cooltipt box for Eve).
Memo:
Berry’s back 31st from Aldeburgh.
1st To Sissie.
5th To Sissie.
7th, 8th, 9th, 10th at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 5th September 1954
Fine. Fair.
Wrote letters to Alys and Kitty (Newcastle). Picked roses and sweet peas for Sissie. Eva cooked lamb and mint sauce and marrow. I by 2.10 to Finchley Road. Taxi to Lyndhurst Terrace. With Sissie 2.45 till 4.45 (pain and looked very ill). 5.9 to Northwood. Knitted on veranda. Eve finished 2nd horse. “Fair Isle Bird Observatory”, George Waterston.
Monday 6th September 1954
Dull. Rain p.m.
Eve made hippopotamus. Wrote Sissie’s Bank Manager and Eric Barnard (with receipts for silver box). Berry’s to dentist (Devonshire still not working). After lunch James had driving lesson 2.15 – 3.15. Eva and Eve walked to dentist again (Eva). James polished CUC. Welsh rarebit. Played “Counties Game”. “The Wild Duck”.
Tuesday 7th September 1954
Fair. Fine a.m.
James heard past exams (all but French)! He for 2nd driving lesson. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 12.30. Lunch. To Sissie at 2.30 till 5. Home to 119 Bickenhall Mansions buying cakes and eggs in Finchley Road. Rest. “The Nine Tailors”, “Venetian Interlude”, Sasha Moorsom. “Lady Bird”.
Wednesday 8th September 1954
Rain.
Wrote to Ernest Blaikley re. John O’London, and Alys re. not going to Aldeburgh. Out to Wimpole Street Post Office (complaint) and Times Book Club. Bought book 5/– (Eve). Got food, Selfridge’s and home, lunch. Unpicked collar on frock. Stew and green peas. Washed things.
Thursday 9th September 1954
Dull a.m. Fine p.m.
Eva phoned re. Alys’ letter. Ironed but fuse went. So got electrician up. He mended and talked about Faraday. To shops. Washed ironing covers. At 2.30 to Sissie. She seemed better. Wrote postcard to Nellie Barnard for her and posted letter to Mabel Wilkinson. Maciejewska asked for more nightgowns. Home 5.45.
Friday 10th September 1954
Wet.
To Jaeger’s, Lewis’, Marshall’s, Selfridge’s to find night dress for Sissie. Failed. Home. Lunch (stew). To Sissie, taking grapes. Postcard to Kitty and lettercard to Alys. With Sissie till 4.45. Home. Rest. Supper. Ironed.
Saturday 11th September 1954
Showers. Thunder.
Went to Fern‘s for coffee. Did windows and mirrors with Windowlene. Lunch. Some cleaning. To Northwood about 5.30. Walked up. Eva and Eve, “Knock on Wood”. “High Wages”, Dorothy Whipple.
Memo:
8th Horace to Sissie, 9th Cheque due.
6th Phoned Dr Haslam.
9th James’ driving test 5.30 – failed CUC so badly behaved.
10th Me to Sissie.
13th My 75th birthday – three score and fifteen.
Sunday 12th September 1954
Fair to fine on whole. Showers.
James painted his wireless set in evening. Mrs Cattle in for Phil’s address. Bernice to see Eve’s horses and hippos. Picked roses for Sissie and sweet peas. In loft with James (orange crate for radio set). Hot beef, jelly and mandarins (tinned). 8 to 26 Thurlow Road at 3. With Sissie till 5 (5.24 from Finchley Road). Read her father’s diaries 1853. Wrote Dorothy Thorburn and £1.1.0 in Oxford Globe Relief Organisation.
Monday 13th September 1954
Fine but thundery showers.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room, and I got it ready for Alys. Letter from Alys, Phil, Kit and Teddy, with cheque 17.10.0 (cesspool loan). I met Mrs Hill in BHN. Eva packing James‘ trunk, and he his playbox. James drove us all to station 2.30. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. They to tea at Marion‘s. I to buy milk, rolls, chicken puffs 1/–, peas 2½, cheese 1/–, cream.
Tuesday 14th September 1954
Fair.
To Selfridge’s and Sainsbury’s and Dorlon’s. Lunch. To Sissie – she very well! Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Prepared supper – tongue (tin), jelly veal, liver sausage, lettuce, plums. Berry’s at 6. Washed up after supper. To Savoy – “Mikado”, dress circle 8/6 each (Peter Pratt – Ko-Ko – very good). James‘s friend, Cameron, there.
Wednesday 15th September 1954
Fair.
Phoned Eva and Alys re. her train. Washed cloths, turned out “cuttings”. To Liverpool Street station at 2.45; for Alys’ train 4.5. I watched St Monica’s school girls and a Scandinavian train arrive. Met Alys. To Bicky. Saw her off at Marylebone, 6.10 to Northwood. “Anniversary of Arnhem”. Nellie Barnard phoned me about Sissie.
Alys back to Aldeburgh 17th.
119 Bickenhall Mansions 16th.
Thursday 16th September 1954
Windy fine after early rain.
To near shops. Wrote Phil. Did bookcase and also kitchen cupboard, washed crockery and shelf. At 4.30 to Classic, “The Fall of Berlin”, Russian film, very good technically (2/4). Home 7.15. Phoned Alys at 12 Grove Road.
Friday 17th September 1954
Fair. Cool.
In all a.m. Phoned Eva and Eric Barnard. Lunch early, cabbage salad and tongue, plums. To Sissie at 2.15 (buying bread and eggs in Finchley Road). Sissie asleep mostly. 4.38 to Northwood (Alys had brought key of BHN to Thurlow Road). Home. Then back to wait for Eva and Eve till 6.23. They had CUC. Supper. Knitting and sewing (Eve made Chinese twins). Noël Coward “His Excellency Regrets” – Don’t put your daughter on the stage, Mrs Worthington.
Saturday 18th September 1954
Fair, cool.
Took Eva and Eve to station for 12.10 to Liverpool Street station. To Scroggs and Northwood Hills (scofa at Chalet). Grilled cutlets and tomatoes, lunch. In garden, apples and roses. Macmillan talk (party political). “Random Harvest”, James Hilton. Lost memory.
Memo:
14th Mikado.
13th To Aldeburgh.
17th James to Sherborne.
13th Mrs Rothwell to Sissie.
15th Alys to Northwood. Me and Alys to Sissie.
15th Nellie Barnard to Sissie.
17th 10 years since Dennis died.
B. Sutton, meteorologist, said 15th September usually dry.
20th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 19th September 1954
Fine, sunny.
Wrote a letter to Teddy. Picked rosebuds for Sissie; and apples. At 2.15 or so to station in BHN and to Sissie about 2.20. Taxi up. Wrote postcard for Sissie to Dorothy Thorburn. Home by 4.54. Defrosted fridge. “Red Light On – The Parachute Regiment”.
Monday 20th September 1954
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft, bedrooms. Marked Eve‘s handkerchiefs. I to meet Mrs Hill. Didn’t come, so 26 Tolcarne Drive. BHN flat tyre. Phoned Cook. Drove back with Mrs Hill. Lunch. 1.49 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Eric Barnard. Opened Sissie’s silver box. Home. Rest 15 minutes. To 2 Audley Square, British American Association cocktails and 2 speakers, (delight) Smith, Prior-Palmer. Introduced myself to the MacRae-Moir’s.
Tuesday 21st September 1954
Fine.
Doris phoned from Lois’. To Library to look at last Times. To Fern’s, 2lbs coffee. After lunch to Sissie, with battery. Gave her tea. Got 4.30 from Finchley Road to Northwood. Walked up. Alys, Eva and Eve had arrived from Aldeburgh. Supper. Alys slept in her room. Eva in Phil’s.
Wednesday 22nd September 1954
Fine a.m. Fair p.m.
Phoned Doris re. 119 Bickenhall Mansions. I to meet Mrs Hill. Alys made salmon fishcakes. I to get bran for pincushion. Sherry. After lunch Alys in JLN to station and took Eve to Euston to see her off to Overstone School. Eva to town later. I took her and Mrs Hill and to Cooks re. BHN lights. Rested. Alys and Eva back at 6. Supper and bed.
23rd 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
BHN greased.
Thursday 23rd September 1954
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. Alys took me back, after I’d left BHN at Cook’s for rear lights and greasing. At 11, all in JLN to station and to 119 Bickenhall ansions. Eva phoned Ministry. Bacon, lunch. Alys and Eva to buy suitcase. I to Times Book Club, bought 2 books and left red biro. Walked home. Chicken croquets and baby marrows. Alistair Cooke “Letter From America”. Mrs Rothwell phone
Friday 24th September 1954
Fair.
Out to Evans‘ for zip for Eva‘s frock. Cleaned flat and prepared beds. Wrote note for Doris Freer. After lunch met Alys and Eva at Baker Street with zip and they gave me one 119 Bickenhall Mansions key and JLN key (they to Aldeburgh). I to Sissie. Cheque to Mrs Hearn and talk about Sissie. Home 4.38 and JLN. Fishcakes. Tired. “Peter Ibbetson”, 3rd program. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 25th September 1954
(no weather)
Washed Tunis cover and stockings and gloves. Got apples and roses. Mince and swedes. Made apple purée and grated cheese. Walked to shops at 12 and got oven cloth and cheese. Rest about 5 – 7. “Witch Hunt”, Rex Rienits from book by by Simon Harvester, Maurice Denham.
Memo:
22nd Eve school.
24th Alys and Eve to Aldeburgh.
20th British American Association 6 p.m. 2 Audley Square W.1 cocktails. University Women’s Club.
Eric Barnard 3 (1.53 leave Northwood).
21st Alys, Eva and Eve back from Aldeburgh.
25th Freers to 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
BHN on charge – 28th and 29th.
Sunday 26th September 1954
Dullish. Some sun and wind.
Picked roses and apples. Mince. At 2.10 to Finchley Road (BHN). Taxi. Sissie looking more dying than ever. Got 5.54 to Northwood. Put BHN on charge. Felt a cold coming on. Alys phoned at 8 that she and Eva not returning tonight.
Monday 27th September 1954
Fine.
Heavy cold in my head. Mrs Bearcroft. In BHN to get fish at Jones’. Met Mrs Hill. Sat on veranda in sun. Cheese pudding. Rested and slept. Wrote to Phil for his 41st birthday. To post. Eva phoned, and I in BHN to meet Ays and Eva. Had supper separately because of my cold. “Princess Ida” and “The Secret Man”, Calder-Marshall.
Tuesday 28th September 1954
Fine.
Alys brought my breakfast in bed. Stayed till lunch, which I had in dining room, and Alys and Eva in kitchen (because of my cold). Alys in JLN to see Sissie. Eva to have perm. Electrician here for points, switches and charging (garage). Oil in ears. “The Poplar” by Padraic Fallon and “Under Milk Wood”, Dylan Thomas.
Wednesday 29th September 1954
Fine, cool.
Brett. Eva to town. Alys met Mrs Hill. We had curry. Alys to town and they had tea with Freer’s at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. I wrote Eric Barnard re. Sissie’s silver and posted it. Nose very blocked. Supper in bedroom. “The Death of William Rufus”, “From Information Received”, good thriller, Beesley and Winthrop.
Thursday 30th September 1954
Dark and damp.
Ate egg and bacon for breakfast which Alys left. Kept separate from Alys and Eva (cold). Sowed, darned stockings and mended Eva‘s nightdress. Out for apples in orchard. Eva ironing and packing her new suitcase. Alys not eating much. Nellie Barnard phoned. “Lorna Doone”.
Friday 1st October 1954
Dull, muggy.
Phoned Cook re. BHN being wet. Picked rosebuds and apples. Alys took Eva for Doctor’s Certificate for voyage, Coastal Command. Mrs Hill. At about 1.50 Alys took us to station. Eva to Bank for Traveller’s Cheques. I to Bicky and then to Sissie. She asleep. Stayed till 5.30. 5.50 from Finchley Road. Eva in 7.45. Cook up for BHN. “Manservant and Maidservant” by Ivy Compton-Burnett.
Saturday 2nd October 1954
Dull, then warm. Fine.
Alys and Eva to shops. I fringed the stole (green and mauve stuff) for Eva. In BHN to get eggs and Daz. Put black ribbon on Eva‘s bedroom mules. “Pepita Jimenez”. Poached eggs on spinach. “A Question of Fact”, Wynyard Browne (son of a murderer), Angela Baddeley.
Memo:
26th To Sissie.
26th Alys and Eva returning Monday.
28th Sissie (Alys).
1st Sissie.
2nd Nellie Barnard to Sissie.
Ears (Dr Baker) in October. Oil – 28th and 29th and 30th.
Freer’s at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 3rd October 1954
Fair.
Alys very bad rheumatism in shoulder. Eva tidying up sitting room. I to see Sissie in p.m. Mrs Rothwell also. Sissie very weak and low. Gave her her tea. Eva put labels for Singapore on her 2 suitcases and hat box.
Monday 4th October 1954
Fair. Fine a.m.
Alys had a letter from Kitty – coming south!!! Alys to Mrs Hills and shops. Eva made sandwiches. All to station (Eva, Colliver Fisher, we in JLN and BHN). 10.35 to Baker Street. Taxi to Waterloo, 6/3 got there 11.20. At 12.35 Eva away to Southampton. Alys and I lunch Lyons “egg and bacon”. I to Sissie – stronger! Dr Haslam there. Alys and I home by 5.30. Rests. Cold bacon. Phil phoned. “Justice Fielding”, Roy Walker.
Tuesday 5th October 1954
Dull, rainy.
To meet Mrs Hill at 10:30 and to shops. Alys met Doris and Sylvia Freer. I to post apples to Eve. Doris with me in BHN. Wrote airletters to Eva (at Port Said). Chicken and peas, apple crunchy, ice cream. Freer’s away 6.15. “The Archers”. Kippers. “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” with John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson. Mrs Rothwell phoned.
Wednesday 6th October 1954
Fine.
Mrs Griffiths in re. fence and hedge and elder tree. Alys to meet Mrs Hill. Brett picked apples off Bramley. To Bank and to pay gas bill and Smith’s. Alys to Lewis’ for material and pattern. “Holiday in Berlin”, play by James Parish.
8th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 7th October 1954
Fine to fair.
Alys to Aldeburgh (picking up looking-glass, High Street) at about 12. I had fowl and salad. Picked rose buds for Sissie. To Sissie to 2.27. Mrs Rothwell there and Reverend Andrews came. I from 3.30 to 4.15. 4.38 from Finchley Road. Made soup from chicken carcass. “Lorna Doone”.
Friday 8th October 1954
Dull, drizzle.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 11.39. Found Doris and Sylvia still there! So had lunch at Forte’s, 2/3. To Sissie’s at 2.15. She very wide awake and voice strong. Taxi (6/6 with 2/– tip) to 11 Chandos Street as was very drizzly. L. Tanner on Edward the Confessor’s Cross, very good. Supper 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Henry Fielding on “The Journey of a Voyage to Lisbon”.
Saturday 9th October 1954
Fine.
To Northwood by about 11.15 (left key with porter for radiator). Cold chicken and salad. Wrote airletter to Eva at Aden. To Rex at 2.15, “The Caine Mutiny”, Humphrey Bogart, good. Home at 5. Play “The Bamboo House”.
Memo:
9th Post to Aden.
4th Eva sails for Singapore, 2.35 from Waterloo.
8th B.A.A 4.30 Tanner.
5th Freer’s for lunch and tea.
6th Mrs Griffiths, Nellie Barnard to Sissie.
7th Alys to Aldeburgh. Freer’s leave Bicky.
“The Bamboo House”, George Scurfield, Hugh Burden.
No newspaper 11th (printers’ quarrel). Bus strike 13th.
2nd week of Dock strike (and transport).
Sunday 10th October 1954
Fine.
Found mushrooms in orchard. Took over to Jones‘ (Swiss girl). Mince and spinach lunch. Peeled mushrooms and fried. At 2 to get petrol and 2.15 on to Sissie’s in BHN, arrived 26 Thurlow Road 2.55. Sissie very dopey. Not a word. Came away 4 and home 4.40. Mushrooms for supper. Nellie Barnard and Portia phoned.
Monday 11th October 1954
Fine.
Washed clothes. Met Mrs Hill. Mrs Bearcroft did my room. Loin of pork lunch. Put apples away. Picked more mushrooms. Rested on bed. Sewed and darned. Alys phoned (Eve sleepwalking). “Romeo and Juliet”, (Peggy Ashcroft, Tony Britton).
Tuesday 12th October 1954
Fair.
Breakfast 7.45. To Dr Baker’s 8.50. He took wax out of my ears (introduced another Dr. To Cook’s with bill and re. visit not charged. Mrs Bearcroft cleaning sitting room. To Baldwin’s, Miss Wells cut my hair. After lunch to Sissie by train. She seemed in coma all the time. Home by 4.38. Mushrooms with mince.
Wednesday 13th October 1954
Fine.
Wrote Kitty with photos. Brett came. I met Mrs Hill after lunch. 1.35 to Bicky. Phone from Mrs Rothwell saying Sissie had just died. Mrs Hearn and Dr Haslam spoke to me. I phoned Ernest Vernor Miles. Wrote lettercards to Alys and Nellie Moir. Tube to R.A.I. lecture 5. Kardomah with Laurie. “The Living Desert” and “Stormy, the Thoroughbred“ at Studio One 4/3.
Bus strike – (18 still running on 15th but off 16th).
Thursday 14th October 1954
Fair.
Received Sissie’s Will from Ernest Vernor Miles. Phoned Lois. To Finchley Road by train as bus strike. Taxi to 26 Thurlow Road. Undertaker there. He took me to Town Hall for Death Certificate registration and on to Lawes re. furniture. Tube to Baker Street. Bank Clerk witnessed cremation permit. Lunch. Rest. Out for plums. Lettercards to Alys and Mrs Rothwell.
Friday 15th October 1954
Dull, windy.
At 9 a.m. for papers, with Sissie’s name in “Deaths”. Took sheets to laundry. Metro and taxi to Thurlow Road. Tidied desk and tips to nurses. Sold Davenport to Matron for £6.10.0. Lunch 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Bus 18 to Edward Barnard’s and Eric gave me £17.0.0 for Sissie’s silver. Paid 7/6 for Aunt Bella‘s ring enlarged. Brought pepper-pot and bacon dish and back. Rest. Ernest Vernor Miles phoned. Supper. “Service for Schools”. Bought 2 sprays flowers 8/0 and 8/6 from Nellie Moir and self (on 15th).
Saturday 16th October 1954
Rain a.m. Fair p.m.
Taxi at 8.40 to Crematorium, 8/6. Service (Reverend Andrews) 9.30 – Nellie Barnard, Horace and Alan B., Nora in car. Mrs Rothwell and mother, Mrs Davies. Tube home. Cleared up. To Northwood by 12, Colliver Fisher up. Lunch of mince. BHN to Rex, “The Green Scarf”, 2/8. Shipped Northwood Hills. Home. Did Sissie’s trinkets. “An Ideal Husband”.
Memo:
12th Sissie. (11th Portia to Sissie).
13th R.A.I. 5 p.m. Dr D. B. Harden – glass in Roman Britain.
13th Mrs Rothwell.
16th 9.30 Sissie’s cremation.
Dock strike. 130 ships idle in Thames.
Bus strike 149 routes stopped, over 20,000 men out.
Sunday 17th October 1954
Mild. Dullish.
Up late; tired. Breakfast 9.30. Wrote to Alys, Kitty, Mrs Rothwell and Ernest Vernor Miles (re. Sissie’s “jewellery” for valuation). To pillarbox. Sorted Sissie’s papers, receipts, Ernest Vernor Miles‘ letters, photos, cards. Phil phoned 7.15. Coming tomorrow evening.
Monday 18th October 1954
Drizzly, then windy. Mild.
No Mrs Bearcroft!? Met Mrs Hill, who had message from Sylvia Brewtnall. Wrote Margaret Hindhaugh with “Telegraph”. Took Mrs Hill to Acre Way, and then home (Northwood Hills). Lots more apples down. Made Phil’s bed. He arrived 10.35 (had been at Dudley Baker’s). To bed 11.15.
Tuesday 19th October 1954
Mild, dull.
Phil and I walked to station and to Baker Street 11.14. Phil to U.C.H. for x-ray at 12. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (with Phil’s case). Out for ham, rolls, cream. Phil back at 12.40. We talked to the 1.30. Meal. Phil to Price Thomas 2.30. Men put new radiator in. Phil back at 3.40. Talk. Coffee and tongue. Phil to Ernest Vernor Miles 5. I to Northwood by 5.24 from Marylebone (non-stop to Northwood).
Wednesday 20th October 1954
Very fair.
BHN to Mrs Hill’s. On to 26 Thurlow Road for Dunlopillow, radio and cupboard. Back to Northwood 11.35. To Bank and Ryder’s (brassieres). Home. Paid Brett, (last apples gathered). Mrs Hill lunch. Packed apples for Eve; brassieres for Eva, Dorothy Thorburn from Sissie. To Post Office, sent off 3 packages. Laundry basket emptied. Bacon. “The Brothers”, Rex Rienits. Alys phoned.
Aldeburgh
Thursday 21st October 1954
Very fine.
Packed bag; made sandwiches. Mrs Hill at 11. Saw Mrs Cattle re. paper and laundry. At 11.30 (to Bank). 11.47 to Liverpool Street station, ate lunch. 1.30 to Saxmundham. Arrived 4.9. Changed. To Aldeburgh 4.40. Alys in JLN to The Rest. Alys wrote Kitty; both out to post. Slept in Phil‘s room. Trawler Band radio – Dr Robert Hutchins interviewed by Gilbert Harding.
Friday 22nd October 1954
Rain most of day after 12.
Out with Alys to shops, and to book lunches – Connie Wynn and Ciné seats. Wrote Nellie Moir (with brooch), Horace Barnard (with 10/– for clock expenses) and Menie. Lunch (stewed veal). Man about stove top. I rested; slept. Phil came at 7.30. Grilled steak, spinach, raspberries and cream. All read letters from Eva (Port Said and Aden). Slept in sitting room.
Saturday 23rd October 1954
Fair. Dullish.
Walked with Phil to shelter at Brudenell. Alys joined us and along to pile driving. Norton‘s here (Amersham twins). Lunch at Connie Wynn’s Hotel. Home. Rests. At 6 to cinema – “Dial M For Murder”, very good – husband arranging wife murder. Talk about cars. Vauxhall, Zephyr, Javelin.
Memo:
18th Phil to Northwood. To Price Thomas 19th.
22nd Laundry ready or Saturday – Paddington Street.
21st To Aldeburgh 1.30 leave Saxmundham. Liverpool Street station 11.47 Northwood.
23rd Piltdown man, Horniman Museum 3.30.
340 ships still idle in Dock strikes.
Sunday 24th October 1954
Phil drove us over to Southwold, where we lunched at Sutherland House (pargeted ceilings). To river and Blackwater; pier. Home. At 6 Trawler Band. Phil away after supper. (4/– each lunch).
Monday 25th October 1954
Very fine.
Phoned Amy. I to Post Office and wrote airmail to Eva at Changi. Lunch at Martin’s (Alison‘s old place) 2/9 each. Over in JLN to fetch Amy who to tea with us. Smith fetched her. Sprats supper, grilled. Gayelord Hauser, Gilbert Harding “The Harding Interviews”.
Tuesday 26th October 1954
Lovely day.
Alys sent off parcels to James and Eve. I cleaned in flat. In JLN to Southwold to look for Alys’ brooch. Lunch Swan Hotel 6/– each, 9d tip each. Rewrote letter to Kitty. Alys made prune whip. Rests. Soused sprats. “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”, John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson.
Wednesday 27th October 1954
Very fine and hot.
Packed. Shops. Eyeglasses and horses at Inge shop. To Quay in JLN and lifeboat. Lunch 12.30. JLN to Saxmundham. 1.25 to Liverpool Street station, arrived 4.5. At 4.15 Watford train to Northwood. Arrived about 5.5, Colliver Fisher up. BHN to try for bread. Shops shut but muffins at Hudson‘s. Lettercard to Alys from Post Office.
Dock strike ends. Back on Monday.
Thursday 28th October 1954
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft, Eva‘s bedroom. Did up parcel for Mrs Rothwell to sell Animals Fair – silver dog pencil. Eve’s and James’ clothes. Took to post 1/8 and lettercard to Portia. Steak and kidney pie and our own spinach. Rest. Mended Eve‘s pale blue dressing gown. “Town Forum Visits Milan”
Friday 29th October 1954
Fine, windy.
To get fish at Jones’. Mrs Hill. Bacon 9.6 Hudson’s. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 1.35 train. Out for milk. Then 23 to British Museum. Special exhibition of archaeology of Bible country. Skull 7500 BC. Coffee at Fern‘s 3lb at 6.6. Rest. Lettercard to Alys.
Saturday 30th October 1954
Fine. Cooler.
Fetched sheets from laundry, 4/6.. 10.35 to Northwood. Colliver Fisher up. Sprayed rosebeds with Jayes. Cold bacon and lettuce. Rest. “My Guess Would Be Murder”, Anthony Gilbert (legacy). Took eggbox to post. Tidied Doz’s silk bag (from box). Ox blood to cyclamen. Welsh rarebit. “What Do You Know?”, “Mister Mysterious”, Elleston Trevor.
Memo:
Paid Brigeon for last week he came.
27th Eva due arrive Singapore. Or 29th?
Collect laundry, Paddington Street.
27th Back to Northwood.
“Curtain Up – The Business at Blanche Capel”, “Lost Scene From “The Importance of Being Earnest”.
Dockers went back to work – 1st.
Sunday 31st October 1954
Cool, showers.
Ironed Alys’ and my nightgowns. Darned sheet. Washed hair. Gas fire in bedroom. Airing blanket in Alys’ bed. Gas fires in her and Eve’s room. Did clean laundry. Lit Cozy stove p.m. Read papers (Times of last week.). Washed Sissie’s little cupboard. Alys phoned in evening, 8.15 re. theatre on 10th.
Monday 1st November 1954
Showers, milder.
Phoned for stalls at her Majesty’s Theatre. Sent cheque. Got kippers at Jones’. Sent 4/– Postal Order to R.A.I. Met Mrs Hill. Got pork 10/5. Read old “Times”. Lit Cozy stove at 1.15. Kipper supper. Alys phoned re. White Lion Hotel in Christmas holidays.
Tuesday 2nd November 1954
Very damp.
Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. In BHN to High Street to shops. Cold pork lunch. In sitting room with Cozy stove. Alys came in JLN from Aldeburgh at 3.15. Talk about Phil’s state of health. Letters from Kitty. After supper, Teddy‘s letter to Alys.
Wednesday 3rd November 1954
Fair. Cool.
(Put apron on BHN on 1st). I met Mrs Hill and got leeks. Alys took her home. Brett here. I picked his chrysanthemums. Brought Eva‘s geraniums in. Marion phoned re. James. Bacon supper in dining room. Phil phoned about 8.
U.S.A. elections – Democrats win House of Representatives.
119 Bickenhall Mansions 6th.
Thursday 4th November 1954
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft. Alys in JLN at 11:40 to Northampton (Angel Hotel). Caught her on bridge taking Eva‘s letter from Changi. Man from Green Lane Electric to do lamp switch and my iron, and service Fridge. Wrote Miss Colthurst re. December 17th and Louie Barnard. To post. Queen Mother‘s speech from New York. Phil phoned re. 19th.
Friday 5th November 1954
Fine.
To shops, High Street and met Mrs Hill who had joint. Mrs Bearcroft in a.m. Lunch 1.45 and Alys phoned from Northampton – not back for a meal. At 3.55 Alys in JLN with Eve. Straight to station. Eve and I by 3.59, and taxi to 62 Harley Street, appointment 4.30, but kept an hour. Taxi at 5.55 to Baker Street, 6.9 Northwood (Eve standing part way), Colliver Fisher up. “The Archers”. Supper, fishcakes. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 6th November 1954
Dull, drizzle.
Alys and Eve to shops in town. I 11.29 to Bicky, ate roll. To St James’s Square. Abbé Breuil’s cave drawings. Forte’s. At 2 to Bridgewater House, Cleveland Row, St James’s (Sir John Summerson). The Queen’s Chapel, Marlborough House (George Chettle). Then Lancaster House (old London Museum) – John Charlton. To Bicky, supper and sleep.
Memo:
2nd Alys from Aldeburgh.
5th Alys gets Eve from school.
4th Eve’s half term.
5th Take Eve to dentist.
4th Alys to Northampton, sleeps Angel Hotel.
6th R.A.I. RAI autumn meeting.
BHN on charge 8th 24 hours.
New Lord Mayor Alderman Seymour Howard. Bowater outgoing Mayor.
Sunday 7th November 1954
Dull, damp, dark.
Cleaned up flat. 10.34 to Northwood. Colliver Fisher up. Alys and Eve out to post. Marion Berry to tea and stayed supper. Boiled eggs, cold sausages, salad, apple sauce.
Monday 8th November 1954
Dull, rain p.m.
Mrs Bearcroft did mince. Alys and Eve to shop in JLN. I met Mrs Hill (BHN wouldn’t start so put on charge), carried vegetables up. Lunch at 12.45. Alys and Eve off at 1.20 to Northampton for Overstone School. Altered grey overcoat. Talk on “The Dead Sea Scrolls”, Rev. H. H. Rowley.
Tuesday 9th November 1954
Fine, cold.
Wrote Kitty answering Brim‘s letter and 2 others. Mrs Bearcroft. Laundry (15/6). Met Mrs Hill in BHN. Alys arrived in JLN from Northampton about 12. Lunch. With Alys to Watford to get lamp for Christmas for Eve – 35/– at Walter James‘, Market Street). Posted apples to James 1/10. Wrote tie claim Achille Serre 7/6. Ham toasts (Alys). Churchill’s speech, Guildhall – “The Lord Mayor’s Banquet”.
Wednesday 10th November 1954
Rain and wind.
Alys fetched paraffin, and then I got slack for Cozy stove to burn. To town after lunch by 1.37. Got milk, rolls. Alys met Phil at Liverpool Street station and shopped, razor. They to Bicky. Phil had tea. Alys out to buy supper which we left for Phil and Wiz (to theatre). Alys and I Northwood 6.30. Supper. “The Circle”, Somerset Maugham.
BHN on charge 13th.
Thursday 11th November 1954
Fine, dull.
Up at 7.30. Phil and Alys (JLN) to station – Liverpool Street station. Phil away 9.21 to Ipswich 10.30. Mrs Bearcroft here. Alys and I to London. Alys shopping, and lunch, Green Lizard. I washed up Phil and Wiz’s supper things and rested. Alys in at 2.45. At 3.6 to Northwood. JLN up. Rest. Supper and to bed early. “Air-Sea Rescue” 9 p.m.
Friday 12th November 1954
Fine after 9 a.m.
Mrs Bearcroft came and helped with suitcases to JLN. Alys away 10.40. I to meet Mrs Hill and got mince and liver. Did up mirror from Alys to Eva; got 2.10 and posted it in Baker Street 1/4. Rest. At 3.50 to Bruce Green. To Chandos Street. Tea and Peggy Kaines-Thomas’ lecture on houses. Fried egg at 119 Bickenhall Mansions, and slept there. “Return to U.S.A.”, Geoffrey Moore, Kansas.
Saturday 13th November 1954
Fine.
To Northwood by 10.47. Walked up, after getting rolls and scofa and ice cream. Picked spinach, had it with the liver. Lettercard from Alys (arrived Aldeburgh 2.50). Rest. Play “Compel Them to Come in”. To get lettuce and beet and peas 1.2. Lit Cozy stove at 4.30. “When the Bough Breaks”, Bones boys detectives at 5.30. “Fear to Tread”, Michael Gilbert from the book.
Memo:
7th Marion, tea and supper.
12th B.A.A. Peggy Kaines-Thomas 4.30 tea.
10th Phil up – Her Majesty‘s Theatre “The Teahouse of the August Moon” with Wiz.
11th Phil 8.17 and 9.30 Liverpool Street station.
8th Alys takes Eve back to Overstone School and sleeps Northampton, Angel Hotel.
12th Sent Eve’s shoes to her.
Sunday 14th November 1954
Fine.
Covered cistern in loft. Wrote lettercard to Alys and posted it. Also postcard to Lawrence Tanner re. Congress and BBC third program panel. Rest on bed. “To Damascus” by Strindberg 3 p.m. “The Vessel of Wrath”, W. Somerset Maugham, 4. “Emily Butter”, Henry Reed (music: Donald Swann).
Monday 15th November 1954
Hard frost, fine.
Mrs Bearcroft did my room. BHN back and tyre flat, so walked to meet Mrs Hill and got bacon 4/6, Sainsbury’s and vegetables. Curried mince. Read papers and Digest. No Cook’s man, so phoned again at 4.30 and Assistant came and changed tyre and let water out of CUC. Horrocks “Mission in Siberia”, 1919.
Tuesday 16th November 1954
Damp. Dull.
Kept Cozy in all night as no kindling. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned upstairs rooms. In BHN to Cook’s for spare wheel. Posted “The Go-Between” to Alys (lettercard from Alys and at 10 she phoned re. Phil better). Out for petrol and oil in BHN. Rest on bed. Mended grey skirt. “The Mountain Men”. Spartak v. Wolverhampton Wanderers (WW got 4 goals to 0).
Wednesday 17th November 1954
Fine. Frost a.m. Sun a.m.
Brett came; made new mint bed by garage. Met Mrs Hill in BHN. Fish at Jones’. Leaves broom (besom?) 2/6. Quiet p.m.; on chairs in sitting room. Stupid play (“Carol and the Sunday-Man”, Enid Hollins). Lettercard to Elsa re. coronaria cerise seeds. Letter to Alys. “For Services Rendered”, Somerset Maugham.
Debate on Nine Power Agreement – 264 to 4 votes.
Thursday 18th November 1954
Damp, misty.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. Got out velvet and silver coat and altered it. BHN to shops. Posted glasses to Bruce Green. Got bacon, cheese, meat pie – Frood beans 1/1½ . Altered very old grey felt hat (inside out). “The Man Who Came Back – Special Duty”, Alcoholics Anonymous, “Science Survey – Ambrose Fleming”, Thermionic Valve inventor.
Friday 19th November 1954
Dull.
Met Mrs Hill. Bought neck of lamb and liver and leeks. Letter from Alys re. Brown Acres. Wrote lettercard to her and posted it 4 p.m. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned kitchen and went at 3.55 so to post myself though back aching a lot. “Lives to Mend – Western Lodge”, (homeless poor) Gilbert Harding. “Growing Old”, too old at 40” (white collar).
Saturday 20th November 1954
Dull.
Took Eno’s fruit salt! (the family joke being that it was always thought that Dennis Embleton’s grandfather invented it – there was a framed advertisement displayed in the downstairs loo!) Walked to get 11.59 Baker Street. Bought milk and rolls. Early lunch at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. 2 bus to Victoria to Agricultural Hall, Animals Fair. Mrs Rothwell there. Bought beads 2/3 (red from 3/6), 2 scarves 1/ – and 2/3. Home. Rest. Supper. “Clive of India”.
Memo:
Muscles (side and back) ached all week.
17th R.S.P.C.A. (aching hip so didn’t go).
20th Animals Fair, Agricultural Hall, Vincent Square.
19th Noon to 8.30 pm (Mrs Rothwell Saturday).
BHN on charge 21st 4 p.m. till 22nd 11 a.m.
Sunday 21st November 1954
Dull, dry.
Took 10.34 to Northwood. Wrote Nellie Moir and for Herbal mixtures (to post 2.30). Cold lamb and cold leeks, potatoes and swedes. “Marching Song”, John Whiting (General, 7 years in prison). “Brother To Dragons”, Robert Penn Warren, 2 nephews of Thomas Jefferson murdered Negro boy, Lilburn Lewis.
Monday 22nd November 1954
Dull, showers, mild.
Mrs Bearcroft, Alys’ room. BHN to post and boxes of apples to James and Eve. Met Mrs Hill, sausages, pancakes. Wrote to James and Eve; also Eva with 7/6 Postal Order from Achille Serre for tie and acknowledgement and Phil for book by Gerald Durrell. To post. Still neuritis pain all day.
Tuesday 23rd November 1954
Dull, showers.
Mrs Bearcroft lit fire in sitting room and I used it all day. Still pains on side and back. Wrote Kitty, re. Maie (letter this a.m. saying “disintegrating”). To post with it.
Wednesday 24th November 1954
Fine.
Pain in side, not feeling very well. To meet Mrs Hill. Brett here. Ernest Vernor Miles phoned. Met Mrs Hill with BHN. Mince. 1.53 to town. Rest. At 4.20, bus to Piccadilly. R.A.I. meeting. Colvin – Inigo Jones, Wilton House. Lois and Laurie there (told Lois about not feeling well). Home to boiled egg and sausage at 7. “Sheppey”, then end of “Brother to Dragons”.
Bad floods in Devon – 18 counties.
27th Lightship wrecked in South Goodwins.
Thursday 25th November 1954
Dull.
To Eric Barnard with engagement ring and things to sell (rings and brooch.). Back by 19 and to Herbal shop for medicines. Paid the electricity bill. 30 minutes on bed at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. 1.24 to Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. Cold lamb and salad. Read papers and wrote lettercards to Alys and Kitty. Mince supper. To post with lettercard to Alys. Wrote Farrington, re. Brown Acres.
Friday 26th November 1954
Dull, showers.
Up 7.20. At 8.35 BHN to Dr Bakers. After examination, he said “small ligaments torn probably”, advised massage. Home. Got measurements of chest of drawers in loft. To station re. it. Met Mrs Hill, cheese pudding. Sent black tie to James 7/6, postcard to Alys re. chest of drawers. Phoned Miss Johnson, masseurs, but she ill. “Personal Column”, Jenifer Wayne on vegans and vegetarians. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 27th November 1954
Gales.
BHN to High Street. Arnold‘s – to fetch chest of drawers on Thursday. Got cream and ice cream and Ryvita. Mince and sprouts. Quiet p.m. on chair. “Your Hand Before Your Face”, play by Rachel Grieve. Cut out striped blouse from skirt. “Sounding Brass”, George Hudson and railway, Edward Chapman.
Memo:
24th R.A.I. Inigo Jones, Wilton House, H. M. Colvin.
26th Sent form to BBC Third Programne Listeners Panel.
Postcard to Alys re. measurements of chest of drawers.
30th Sir Winston’s 80th birthday.
Sunday 28th November 1954
Fair. Damp.
Tore up and burnt letters at 6 – 7. Felt pretty rotten all day. Wrote lettercard to Alys and also Lois re. Dr Baker’s opinion and to post. At 3 on bed listening to “South” by Juliet Green and “The Voice of the Turtle”, Somerset Maugham. Evening “The Reith Lectures – Britain and the Tide of World Affairs”, Sir Oliver Franks and “Flos Angliae”, Sir Philip Sidney.
Monday 29th November 1954
Heavy showers. Mild.
Mrs Bearcroft helped empty chest of drawers in loft. To meet Mrs Hall in BHN. At 1.53 to Bicky. At 3 by 18 to Ernest Vernor Miles. Signed papers, re. Sissie’s Will. Walked to Bruce Green. Walked on to Goodge Street. Bus 1 home, getting chicken pilaff 1/9 (Lyons). Hot for supper, good. “The Quest of Gilgamesh” Bridson, very good. “The Goodly Seed”, Japanese prison.
Tuesday 30th November 1954
Showers.
Tidied out Barnard beads. Eric Barnard phoned ring £13.10 less £4 for oddments. Listened to Churchill’s 80th birthday ceremony, Westminster Hall. 1.13 to Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. Mince lunch and sewed striped blouse. Very little pain all day. “Nights of Gladness”, Noël Coward story and “Sherlock Holmes – The Solitary Cyclist” and “South” again.
Wednesday 1st December 1954
Fine. Lovely.
Brett. Looked out stocking presents. Met Mrs Hill, fish pie. Wrote Alys. To station to order them to come on Friday for chest of drawers. Sat on veranda in sun 15 minutes. “Mrs Trump, Widow”, John Linett at 3. “The Moon and Sixpence”, 8.30. (Didn’t feel like going to Boys Club).
Thursday 2nd December 1954
Showers, mild.
Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room. Sat reading Times. Fish pie. Arnold came and took chest of drawers from loft at 2.15. At 3.50 Railways came for it and took it (to Aldeburgh). Phoned Johnson (masseuse). Talleyrand and Voltaire (bicentenary Tally), “Benediction in Paris”.
Friday 3rd December 1954
Fine. Mild.
Washed clothes. Mrs Bearcroft in morning to do fire. BHN to Hazel‘s and fixed for car on 17th 10.20 till 3 (about £3.0.0). Mrs Hill, minced ham in pastry. “Any Questions”. At 8, “Hero of a Thousand Storms”, Captain George William Manby (who invented line-throwing mortar for life-saving at sea). “Graham Sutherland” on Churchill portrait.
Saturday 4th December 1954
Showers and fair.
Cleaned my room a bit. At 11 came masseuse (Miss Johnson), went at about 12. “The Camarion Collection” 2.40. Walk to shops. Got cream and peas and butter. Machined striped blouse (old skirt stuff) in bedroom. Posted Sissie’s Psalms volume and two scissors to Alys with a note. “The Old Reliable”.
Memo:
29th 3.30 Ernest Vernor Miles.
2nd Arnold for chest of drawers from loft.
3rd Railway to call for chest of drawers.
4th Johnson, masseuse 11 a.m.
Sunday 5th December 1954
Fine.
Up late. Washed stockings and vest. Phil Carr on “Alma-Tadema and His Friends”. “The Mystery of Robert the Devil”. Service from Langton Matravers, school. Finished “A Kiss Before Dying”, Ira Levin. Alys phoned at 8.25. “St Ives”. Special Essence. Felt coldy. Took number 10 at intervals.
Monday 6th December 1954
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft helped put airing blanket in Alys’ bed. She cleaned my room. I to meet Mrs Hill and got bacon, sausages. Rest on chair. Machined cuffs. At 6 Miss Johnson for massage till 6.45. Supper 7. Alys came at 8.15, and had cold sausage.
Tuesday 7th December 1954
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft. Alys to Dr Baker’s at 9.30. Mrs Hill phoned, old man ill. Alys and I in BHN so Jones’. I had haircut (Wells). We lunched at Blue Bird. Home. I on bed. Alys to Cattle’s 6 till 6.40. Kippers. “Sherlock Holmes – The Six Napoleons”, “Not That I Would Boast”, Robert Eddison as Max Beerbohm.
Wednesday 8th December 1954
Pouring. Thunder.
Mrs Hill phoned, old man ill, heart turn. Alys to London 12.41, walked in rain to station. I not out all day. Alys back 5.45. Thunderstorm and tornado in Acton and Willesden. Alys tired and ate very little supper, rather late. “The Second Mrs Tanqueray”, Gladys Cooper, Mrs Tanqueray.
Thursday 9th December 1954
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft. To Dr Baker’s before 9, but he to town with wife. Got petrol, air. Bap. Posted Sissie’s rings to Janet and Margaret (Horace’s girls). Home. Alys in BHN shops and Mrs Hill (liver and bacon). Rest. Knitted sock. Alys phoned Marion, Mrs. Holmes. Alistair Cooke “Letter From America”, Gilbert Harding “The Harding Interviews”, “Take it From Here”.
Friday 10th December 1954
Cold. Dull.
Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen a.m. Alys and I in BHN to Dr Baker. Home. Made sandwiches. Alys did up parcel. Walked to train. 11.47 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions for medicines. Then Alys to Liverpool Street station for 1.30. I bought chicken puffs. Rest. To Austin Reed for tie, bathettes. Herbals. “Any Questions”. Felt very coldy. Took Special Essence and Number 10. Phoned Handy and Ernest Vernor Miles.
Saturday 11th December 1954
Hard frost, sun.
Brown bread and milk. At 11.20 to Northwood (Mrs Bearcroft came and lit Cozy stove). Fed birds. Cold bacon and sausage. “The Circuit” at 6.30, “The Queen and the Rebels”, Third programme, Ugo Betti (translated by Henry Reed).
Memo:
7th 12.15 haircut.
6th Masseuse 5.45.
19th B.A.A. W.A.C. Frend – religion in 14th century Britain.
8th Lambart Barnard school of painting, Croft-Murray.
8th Railway re. paying. About 10?
Sunday 12th December 1954
Damp, after frost.
Only out to post letter to Alys with a list of Christmas cards (‘53). Not feeling very good, backache. Put yoke on black jumper. Crocheted for striped blouse. George Moore by Max Beerbohm.
Monday 13th December 1954
Damp, milder.
Mrs Hill phoned – old man at Mount Vernon. Mrs Bearcroft here and to meet Mrs Hill so I didn’t go out. Mrs Hill posted parcel of stocking toys. Talk about bomber model production of Valiant. Phoned station re. folding table. “Trial of Dr Bowdler”, “Witch Wood”. Rene phoned. Alys phoned and Eric Barnard re. ring.
Tuesday 14th December 1954
Damp. Mild.
Mrs Bearcroft helped with folding table from green hut. At 12, Railway called for table. In BHN to station. Paid 9/2 for it to go to Aldeburgh. Sent cheque £9 to Eric Barnard (ring). Knitted. Lettercard to Kitty, and also Alys. Took to post. “Ballarat” gold, Australia. “Zuleika Dobson”, Harold Nicolson. “Sherlock Holmes – The Blue Carbuncle”.
Wednesday 15th December 1954
Lovely day.
Brett came. Mrs Hill – heard old Hill coming home from Mount Vernon! Did a lot of Christmas cards, and did up tea for Mrs Peacock. Packed a bit, green suitcase. Darned stockings.
Thursday 16th December 1954
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft phoned – should she bring food as Mrs Hill could couldn’t? Phoned Cook re. car. Mrs Bearcroft came with note and account from Mrs Hill (old man back at 11). Send letter and cheque to Mrs Hill. Posted it. Packed a bit. In to Cattle’s at 4.45 to say goodbye. Christmas cards ready to be posted and were taken by Mrs Bearcroft also tea for Mrs Peacock. “Zuleika Dobson”, Denise Bryer, Michael Horden.
Friday 17th December 1954
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft came. Paid her £1.10.6 till December 30th. Hazel‘s car at 10.20. To Euston. Met Eve 11.27. Car to Harrods. Bought tunic. To Bicky. Ate sandwich lunch. Tipped Frank £1. To 62 Harley Street – Eve’s dental plate at 2. Left at 2.55. To Liverpool Street station by 3.20. Train at 3.33 to Saxmundham. Arrived 5.50. Alys and Aldred met us. To Wentworth Hotel. Dinner, bed.
Saturday 18th December 1954
Fine. Frosty then milder.
Room 11. Talked to Bethel (maid for years). To 5 The Rest. Eve for hairdo and dressmaker. Alys‘ foot hurt. In car. Alys and Eve to lunch with me at Wentworth Hotel. To Ing; got Silas Marner 9d! In JLN to Friston. Christmas cards. Slept in bed 4 – 6. To Alys for bloater supper. Lovely. Came “home” to hotel at 9.10.
Memo:
17th Hazel car 10.20 Euston 11.27.
17th Eve back from Overstone for 11.30. Dentist 2.
Eve and I to Aldeburgh – 3.30 Liverpool Street station.
I to Wentworth Hotel till 20th.
Ring Cook re. car battery and water.
Sunday 19th December 1954
Fine.
Read Sunday Times, sent off cards with cheques to Blain’s, Freer‘s, Lucy, Lois. Dinner at 5 The Rest, 1 p.m. steak and leeks. Back to Wentworth Hotel. Read and rested. Alys and Eve to dinner at Wentworth Hotel. Away about 9.
Monday 20th December 1954
Fine.
Packed suitcase and paid bill. To Alys’. Got luggage in BHN. Shops with Eve. Ing’s – and she sold 2 books! To hotel to get back 9/6. Lunch at café 3/–. In p.m. to Brown Acres. At 6.30 James came. Alys and Eve met him. He supper at Alys’ and up here at 9.15. I fried plaice here and slept.
Tuesday 21st December 1954
Fair – gale.
Wakened James 8.40. Breakfast. Unpacked his trunk, sorted his clothes. To 5 The Rest with clothes for cleaners. James and Eve took them. All dinner at Martin’s 4/–. Alys and I to Saxmundha m and onto Ipswich for foal lamps. James and Eve found oily seabird. Police. Brown Acres, supper, tea. Berry’s – “Tanganyika”, movie.
Wednesday 22nd December 1954
Fine, drizzle, rainy.
James to 5 The Rest at 10. I not until about 12. Sent cards – Buchanan’s and Mrs Hill. Shops with Alys. All lunch at Windmill (Martin’s). In p.m. did up parcels (Christmas paper). Eve and James making plan (on floor) for game. I called on Mollie at 5.30 (out). Chop, Yorkshire pudding, greens, onions.
Thursday 23rd December 1954
N.W. gale. Cold.
James did plan of Layton. He wrote for details. Alys cooked fowl, bread sauce. She and Eve to dressmakers. After 1.30 dinner all to Saxmundham for Christmas cake, and shoes for James (none). I in at Brown Acres at 4.35. Mrs Farrington in my chair! “Mrs Dale’s Diaries”. I phoned re. Ipswich. Boiled neck mutton, apple Charlotte.
Friday 24th December 1954
Milder.
James by 8.30 bus to Ipswich. Phil took him Felixstowe to lunch, and home after. I lunch with Alys and Eve at Windmill. Phil rested till tea. I walked back to Brown Acres at 6.30 (“The Archers”). Knitted a lot, nice fire. James in about 10.
Saturday 25th December 1954
Alys and Eve came in JJ as raining and James and I back with them, 11. Then Phil and all of us to see room (over garage). Phil and James walked. At 12.45 to dinner at Brown Acres. Crackery. Home. Presents from Teddy and Eva. Queen’s talk (“H. M. The Queen”). Ciné of France. Wiz in. Ham and chicken supper. Phil took us up to Brown Acres at 10.
Memo:
20th James back from Sherborne.
20th James and I to Brown Acres (Mrs Farrington.).
23rd Sent a letter to Eva.
Owe Brett for Wednesday 12.3.
Sunday 26th December 1954
Dull, mildish.
James wrote letter to Teddy and Eva. I wrote to Mrs Hill and enclosed cheque £5.9.0 for her and Brett till January 12th and 14th. Alys cooked goose for lunch. Quiet p.m. To White Lion to reserve. Phil took me to Brown Acres in JJ and on to Riggs’.
Monday 27th December 1954
Fine, mild.
James and I making “money”, £300, for game. Down to flat, 11. Phil and Eve walk. James back to put on sweater. Wiz in and mended projector. All of us to lunch White Lion (7/6), I paid 30/–. To Framlingham Castle in JJ. James and Eve played new Monopoly game. Phil away 8.30. James and I to Brown Acres at 9.30.
Tuesday 28th December 1954
Very mild. Fair.
James down to flat 10.30. I to buy airmail paper. Most shops shut. Stew of birds – fowl and goose and rice. Alys made. She short rest in p.m. Me too. James and Eve walk. Wrote Teddy and Eva with insurance notice (The Coppice). Wrote Doris. All to 1st house 6.15 ciné, “Rose Marie”, Canadian. Supper at Windmill 8.30.
Wednesday 29th December 1954
Very mild.
James back for set and I down with him about 11. To get car and shop with Alys. Lunch Windmill. Alys and I to Mrs Goldsworthy 12.15 (old maid servant). Eve and James long walk in p.m. We rest. All played Monopoly (new). I to Brown Acres 7. James in 9.40.
Thursday 30th December 1954
Dull.
James’ macintosh sent by Mrs Bearcroft. Alys and Eve to Ipswich. James and I lunch at The Cragg Sisters. Couldn’t get into flat, so back to Brown Acres all p.m. James tore up letters and stamps. Crossword and wrote Rene Noble. I card to Lois (Piper of church) and Lucy and Waterloo for trains. Tea at flat. Roast pork at Brown Acres. James and Eve to “Elephant Walk”.
Friday 31st December 1954
Dull, colder. East wind.
Unpicking Phil’s sock toe. James’ amplifier parts arrived. To Ings, Nescafé. All lunch Windmill. Alys and James to Saxmundham. Eve and I at flat. Finished socks. Eve made pig and dormouse. Phil came about 5.45. I back to Brown Acres at 6.50. James at 10.15 then up to midnight working on his amplifier.
Memo:
30th Write Lois (birthday).
Paid Mrs Bearcroft 1.10.6 on 17th to 2 weeks till 30th.
26th Mrs Hill sent cheque £5.9.0.
The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate 