In 1955, Kate is 76 years old and Alys is 71 years old. Eva is 46 years old and Philip is 42 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son). James is 17 years old (Eva and Teddy’s son) and Eve (Eva and Teddy’s’ daughter (my mother)) is 15 years old.
This Diary Belongs to:
Name: Katharine Faraday Boyd
Address: 12 Grove Road
Northwood
Middlesex
Or/and
119 Bickenhall Mansions
Baker Street
London W.1.
Telephone: Northwood 1356
Welbeck 6522
In event of accident please notify…
Dr Philip Embleton at Northwood
or 5 The Rest, Aldeburgh, Suffolk.
Phone Aldeburgh 380 or Ipswich 77251
Aldeburgh
Saturday 1st January 1955
Much colder. East wind.
With Alys to shops – wool. Eve and Phil a walk. All to lunch at Windmill at 1.15. Bought 20oz black and white wool at 1/8½. Alys and Phil rests. James and Eve card-building. Monopoly at 5.15 till 6.50. Phil and Eve to “Elephant Walk”.
Memo:
1st Air-mail letter to Amy Greenough (Steel).
Sunday 2nd January 1955
Rough sea. Cold. Grey.
Phil, James and Eve a walk (they met Phil). Stew of pork, sprouts for dinner. I stayed to it. Ham Toasts for supper. Phil showed films – Ozzy and James aged 3 weeks, Iguazú. Phil took me to Brown Acres at 9 with hot water bottle. James and Eve to “Carbine Williams”, film. James’ set exploded.
Monday 3rd January 1955
Gales. Very rough.
Got Farrington bills. Down with James at 11. Alys and I to Mrs Robinson‘s to see rooms. To Ing’s with glasses. To Windmill, lunch. Did sewing on James‘ new nametapes (socks). I nearly to Thorpeness, Eve came back. James saw me to bus, and took it to Albert. Big dinner of beef, Yorkshire puddings and apple pie. James back at 9 and very cold.
Tuesday 4th January 1955
Sleet and gales.
Moved my room to warmer one. James had his haircut. Library. Josephine Tey books. Rest on Phil‘s bed and slept. Wrote Mrs Hill re. my BHN book and insurance. To “Meet Mr Callaghan”, Derrick De Marney. Supper, 2/4 each Windmill. Bus to station!!! We walked back in slush. James with Mr Farrington doing wireless.
Wednesday 5th January 1955
Snow, but a bit warmer.
Down with James and bought wool for his cap. Lunch, Windmill. Knitted. Alys and I to Alice Embleton‘s (a fit). Played “Popoly” 5 till 6.45 (The Archers). Then I went to Brown Acres. Mrs Farrington to cinema.
Thursday 6th January 1955
Dull, thaw.
Doing crossword with James. He read Maugham stories, and I sewed nametapes on snakeskin shirts. Eve’s hairdo at Joyce’s. Roast beef and leeks at home. Alys shopped. James and Eve, long walk. I knitted. Wrote cheques (Johnson, Hazel, self to Bank). Brown Acres at 6.45. James at 8, and worked with Mr Farrington. Finished cap.
Friday 7th January 1955
Dull. Thaw.
James made pom-pom for cap. Lunch at Windmill. Alys and I shopped. James and Eve terrible quarrel over paints, pencils (broken). Eve painted foal. Tea. All to “The Far Country”, James Stewart, Gold Rush, 2/5. Supper at windmill. Taught James to knit. Alys and James to buy pyjamas.
Saturday 8th January 1955
Dull.
Eve still unforgiving. Alys and James to Saxmundham for cake. Eve drew, I knitted Phil‘s pullover. Lunch, Windmill. James took saucepan to Mollie. Alys and Eve to Thorpeness. Sent Alys’ cheque to Electricity Board. James knitted his scarf. Eve helped! Mended frock, and knitted Phil’s pullover. Back at 7 for supper. James at 9.15 and checked over his clothes for trunk.
Memo:
3rd Paid Farrington £14.0.0 – 2 weeks at 7/ till 3rd.
Alys paid Farrington for James‘ bed and breakfast £10.10.0.
Christmas dinner £1.15.0 (7/6 each).
Sent lettercard to Mrs Bearcroft with 40/- Postal Order. 15/– per week till 15th +1.10 postage. 7/4 in hand (macintosh).
Sunday 9th January 1955
Dull, raw.
Wrote lettercard to Mrs Bearcroft with instructions. James wrote to Eva. I mended his blazer. He to Alys’ first. Then I. He wrote to Eva too. James and Eve both knitting his scarf, with coloured rows. All to Dolphin, Thorpeness, lunch (7/6). Phil at Lady Eddis’ for Yacht Club meeting. James and Eve played Popoly. “A Life of Bliss”, “Life With the Lyons”, “Top of the Form”. Phil in for cuppa and “Take it From Here”.
Monday 10th January 1955
Dull. Rainy. Mild.
Both down at 10 or so as began to rain. Presents arrived from Singapore. Alys and James out for navy pullover. Lunch, Windmill. Home; then all to Amy Nichols’ for 45 minutes or so. Home, then Alys and James to Mollie Hadow’s for tea. Jennifer, there. Berry’s played Popoly. Cast on front on Phil‘s pullover.
Tuesday 11th January 1955
Fine.
Alys had hair done at Joyce‘s. I to 5 The Rest at 12.20. Washed mince machine. Out to lunch, Copper Jug (2/9 + 5d tip). In JLN to take Phil suit to Haig at Uloff’s bungalow, Woodbridge. Met James with broken tooth. Eve locked us out! To “Susan Slept Here” and “Below the Sahara”. Alys took Hadow’s to Windmill for supper. Home by Wentworth Cut.
Wednesday 12th January 1955
Frost and sun.
Wrote Kitty. James did his shoes, gym. Mended Eve’s clothes, buttons. Lunch Windmill. James and Eve to Oakley House for loudspeaker. Alys and James to Brown Acres to pack James‘ trunk. Eve made Arab horse and rider. Lettercard to Mrs Hill, with pound note.
Thursday 13th January 1955
Fair. Sleet later. Cold.
Wrote Eva. To butcher for Alys. Men to assess rates at in No. 5. James and Margaret Hadow to Brudenell (High Tide). All of us Windmill lunch. Eve very disgruntled about going to Hadow‘s. She and James to tea there with stamp books. At 6 we 4 to see “Betrayed”, Clark Gable, good. Sausages, fried by Eve at home. James and I back at 9.55 in sleet. News and knitting (James) by fire till 10.25.
Friday 14th January 1955
Lovely day. Frosty.
Wrote cheques – Baker, Fern’s, Haughton (P.D.S.A.). Alys and Eve shopping for school. Eve’s trunk packed in p.m. by Eve. Lunch Windmill. James knitting scarf hard at intervals all day. Phil came about 5.30. I walked up on very slippery roads. James up about 9.30. He knitted and I read to him from “Ghost Cruiser HK 33”, (Kruder).
Saturday 15th January 1955
Thaw.
Did up parcel and sent to self at 12 Grove Road. To 5 The Rest and did up James‘ stamps and sent, registered to Abbey House. All lunch Windmill (Phil and James in car). I ironed Eve‘s things. Eve, James and Phil to “Betrayed”. I supper Brown Acres. Knitted scarf. “Marie Lafarge”. Phoned James to bring yellow wool. Horse chase by James, milkman, Farrington and Sergeant.
Sunday 16th January 1955
Rain, gales, thaw.
Marked James’ umbrella. Down to 5 The Rest at 12.05. Mended Eve’s things. Alys had pork stew and beans and carrots. Heard “M’aidez” from Swedish Anna. To Brown Acres in gale. Wind 8 or 9 force. Finished James‘ scarf.
Northwood
Monday 17th January 1955
Fine. Cold.
Taxi (Ward’s) for Alys and Eve and James and me to Saxmundham. 11.59 to Liverpool Street station. (James to Waterloo Sherborne). Alys, Eve and I lunch at hotel (9/– each). Taxi to Baker Street. Train Northwood. Taxi up. Water frozen. Basins stopped by ice. Mrs Hill had left shepherds pie. Gas fires in all bedrooms.
Tuesday 18th January 1955
Fine. Cold.
Mrs Bearcroft. Drove Alys and Eve to station. Tried for licence at Post Office but had to go to Vauxhall Bridge Road for it (Bicky on way). Snack lunch at Woolworths, Edgeware Road. To Bank. Baker Street, home to Northwood. BHN to get Alys’ kettle and my wireless. Sewed poppers on. Eve got Beswick horse. Alys and Eve home at 8 (Dentist and “One Good Turn” at Rex – Norman Wisdom).
Wednesday 19th January 1955
Fair. Fog in town. Cold.
Sewed on poppers (collars, Eve.). Alys, Eve to shops BHN. Eve washed her hair. Mrs Hall (mince). All of us (BHN) to Baker Street, 2. To Smith’s for 5 year diary (13/6) for Eve. Alys and Eve to Euston (bus). Eve to Overstone (3). I to Bicky. Then home and BHN up. Alys at 6 (Colliver Fisher). Kippers. G. Harding, H. Agar, Fulbright scholarships.
Thursday 20th January 1955
Dull, cold – 32 and 33°F.
Mrs Bearcroft. Alys made sandwiches – cold bacon. Took her to station 11.35 (Aldeburgh). To Mrs Hill’s with spectacles. Home. Lunch 12.45 (cold bacon). BHN to Rex, 1.25 “Africa Adventure” Robert Ruark. “One Good Turn”, Norman Wisdom 2/9.
Friday 21st January 1955
Thaw. Fog.
Newspaper mix-up – Cattle’s and Shuttleworth’s. To meet Mrs Hill. To Smith’s for Times. Sausages, lunch. Mrs Bearcroft p.m. Took Mrs Hill to shops. Took Alys’ wireless to Munnion. Lamp to Green Lane Electric. Knitted Phil’s pullover. “The Deepest Deep Ocean”, Bruun. “Operation Snowdrop”, Hoffman friend of Hitler. “Anna Russell”, Wagner‘s “The Ring”.
Saturday 22nd January 1955
Still thaw and raw.
To shops (walked). Back. Most of day knitting (ironing) Phil’s pullover. “Cornelia”, Gordon Daviot (Josephine Tey).
Memo:
17th Alys, Eve and I to 12 Grove Road.
17th James to Sherborne. I back to Northwood?.
19th Eve to Overstone.
18th Eve Dentist 11.30.
21st Eve‘s red skirt and blue pullover to Davis.
Sunday 23rd January 1955
Dull, raw.
Had to light Cozy stove. Stones. Washed my hair. Wrote Nellie Moir for Lorenz “Man Meets Dog”. Lettercard to Alys. To pillarbox. Finished 1 sleeve and began 2nd – Phil’s pullover. “Greenwich Palace”, Charlton and Dimbleby.
Monday 24th January 1955
Dull, raw.
Mrs Bearcroft, general dust round. Mrs Hill in BHN – joint pork 9/4, leeks. Ironed and knitted pullover. “Love In Idleness”, Terence Rattigan, Sonia Dresdel. “The Flashing Stream”, Morgan (naval officers, island, mathematics).
Tuesday 25th January 1955
Dull, raw.
Mrs Bearcroft, Alys’ room. I met Mrs Hill (who instead of tomorrow). Finished off Phil‘s pullover and sewed it up and ironed it. Finished “The Dancing Bear” and took to Boots. “The Critics” (fans of The Goon Show – Celia Johnson, Joyce Grenfell). Fyrside stove on.
Wednesday 26th January 1955
Dull.
Mrs Bearcroft 9.48 to Bicky. Put up clean curtain. Phil phoned. Mrs Bearcroft left 12.20 or so. Phoned Lillywhites and Ernest Vernor Miles. Phil at 4.20. Tea and marmite and rolls. He rang Wiz. Phil away at 6 to Cumberland. I rest and supper and bed at 8.30. “Old English”, Cedric Hardwicke, Galsworthy.
Thursday 27th January 1955
Dull.
To shops. Zip for Eve’s skirt and patterns of duffle coats and wool patterns. Back for lunch 1.30. Washed net curtain. Tidied up. To Northwood 3.48. Colliver Fisher up. In BHN to get milk, and gave a lift to 2 Indians. “Take it From Here”.
Friday 28th January 1955
Fair.
Late up. Met Mrs Hill in BHN. Fried haddock. Bought Seville oranges. Wrote Kitty, Ernest Blaikley. Mrs Bearcroft took to post. Wrote postcard Lois, to pillarbox. “Fair Exchange For a Truck”, Fulbright doctor and wife from Adirondack. Ustinov and Jones “In All Directions”, B.B.C.
Saturday 29th January 1955
Rainy, dull, mild.
To shops in BHN. Got petrol and oil, air, water 10/7, kindling. Cold pork lunch. Knitted Eve’s blue cap. Cut up Seville oranges; pips in bag. George, Joy and Edward (5 years) and Sarah (6 months) over (phoned earlier). Stayed about 45 minutes. “The River Line”, Charles Morgan.
Memo:
26th R.A.I. 5 p.m. Golden Cross in Oxford, Pantin, Clive Rouse.
26th Mrs Bearcroft to Bicky.
26th Phil up for skates?
29th Orange marmalade (to soak).
Sunday 30th January 1955
Lovely day.
Washed clothes and mats. Grilled pork and peas. Finished Eve‘s cap. “One Night in Styria”, David Howarth. “National Radio Awards”, Richard Williams, Marjorie Westbury, The Archers and Arthur Askey “Hello Playmates”. Storrs on “Laurence of Arabia” booked by Richard Aldington. “The Double-Agent”, Colonel Pinto.
Monday 31st January 1955
Mild. Shower p.m.
Mrs Bearcroft did Phil‘s bedroom. I did laundry. Met Mrs Hill. Got Alys’ lamp 7/6. Mrs Hill did oranges in Presto cooker. I by 1.47 Baker Street. To Evans for zip and lost patterns. Bought 2 Kangol berets there. To Fern’s. Home to Bicky. “The Barlowes of Beddington”. Slept there.
Tuesday 1st February 1955
Fair and fine.
Phone Ernest Blaikley. Out to Evans for wool pattern lesson. Back to Northwood, (Colliver Fisher) and lunch, sausages. Trying Jaeger knitting pattern. Sewed up Eve’s blue cap. Took £3 to Cowie (Conservative Club). Alys phoned, Phil in bed at Uloff‘s. “The Infamous Rocks”, lighthouses”.
Wednesday 2nd February 1955
Fine.
Brett pruned. Washed things. Met Mrs Hill. Bought bacon 6.6 Hudson‘s and rashers. Cheese pudding. Ironed mats and nightgown. Wrote Eve and James and Ernest Vernor Miles. To post. Mended Eve’s skirt. “One Fine Day”, Emery Bonett Apollo, Marjorie Westbury. “The Present in the Past”, C. V. Wedgwood, history interpretation. “Fritz Kreistler” 80th birthday, Campoli.
BHN on charge – 4th 12.30.
Thursday 3rd February 1955
Showery.
Mrs Bearcroft. We made Phil‘s bed, airing blanket. Lunch 12.30, egg and bacon. BHN Bank at 1. To Rex (got butter, eggs – Sainsbury’s, Northwood Hills). “Carrington V.C.”, 2/9 and “Final Appointment”, (threat July 10th journalist) (Carrington, David Niven). Mended green towel. Cold bacon. “The Confidential Clerk”, T. S. Eliot.
Friday 4th February 1955
Fine.
To Northwood Hills. Hazel’s to order a car to meet Phil 5th – 2.30 Liverpool Street station and Monday. Shopped High Street, mince, fruit, kippers. Met Mrs Hill. Home. Got apples in. Alys at 3.30 in JLN from Aldeburgh. Many suitcases, Phil‘s luggage. Kippers, “Any Questions”. “Expedition South”, R.R.S. John Biscoe stuck in ice, Antarctic. Peter Ustinov “In All Directions”.
Saturday 5th February 1955
Fair, fine.
Alys to shops in JLN. Lunch 12.30. Hazel car at 1 o’clock (old bus driver). I with him to Liverpool Street station. Met Phil from Ipswich, 2.10. Home. (Phil straight from Uloff’s, with a cold, better). Asparagus soup, cold bacon, apple purée and cream from Aldeburgh. Phil told about Major Uloff in Indian Lancers.
Memo:
4th Alys motors from Aldeburgh.
5th Phil arrives Liverpool Street station 2.30 (I from 12 Grove Road).
Fall of French government; Mendès-France. Pinay succeeds – no, he couldn’t form a Government.
Malenkov resigns, Bulganin succeeded.
BHN off charge Tuesday a.m. 60 hours.
Sunday 6th February 1955
Fair.
Phil in dressing-gown to breakfast, then on bed. To Post Office. Alys packed his large suitcase. I making cap for him most of the day. Made “hold-all”. Mrs Hill’s shepherds pie and beans, fruit salad. Knitting in p.m. Phil a mushroom omelette. Made pom-pom for Phil’s cap (all made in one day).
Monday 7th February 1955
Rain then fine.
Hazel car at 10. All of us to Marylebone High Street. Phil to Bank, I to Selfridge’s for rug straps and bootees. To Victoria. Alys and I saw Phil off in boat-train 12.30. Lunch Zeeta. Took bootees back to Selfridge’s. To Bicky. Home, Colliver Fisher up. Alys wrote Eve re. christening date, and James. I to post. Fried fish (Hill) for supper.
Tuesday 8th February 1955
Fine and fair.
Mrs Bearcroft. Alys to shops in JLN. I wrote out recipes for Eva (Bruxelles chocolate) and Post Office in p.m. with letter. Read T. E. Lawrence “The Mint”, and reviews of Aldington book on him. Heard of Malenkov’s resignation and Bulganin.
Wednesday 9th February 1955
Fair.
Brett here. Cleaned veranda. Alys diarrhoea (gastric flu) and in bed all day. I met Mrs Hill in BHN – joint, bread. Wrote James re. dates (April) and posted it. Made Bovril but Alys took nothing all day. Had cold Bovril beside her. Did up old Christmas cards. Trevor Howard “The Devil‘s General” by Zuckmayer, anti-Nazi.
Zhukov (General) – Friends with Eisenhower ’45 – new Defence Minister.
Thursday 10th February 1955
Fine.
Card from Phil in Davos Wolfgang. Alys better, but in bed all day and over 99°F p.m. I to Jones’ in BHN for kippers. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. I washed nightgown and vest. Posted Alys’ letters to Phil, and Eva and Kitty. Alys had 2 poached eggs lunch, and fillet of kipper supper.
Friday 11th February 1955
Frosty. Fine.
Alys had very bad night pains and diarrhoea. I to meet Mrs Hill. Bought boiling chicken. Thick frost on BHN’s windows. After lunch, I to town 3.13 and Chandos Street. Tea and Whitting’s lecture on Byzantine history in coinage. Back by the 6.30 (express) and Colliver Fisher. Alys seemed better.
Saturday 12th February 1955
Fine but snow showers.
Snowy. Alys in bed to breakfast, but up and started her car. I walked to shops for bread. We had cold fowl (and raw cabbage) and mashed potato. Alys on bed p.m. I in sitting room. “Rugby Football”, “What Do You Know?”, “The Orchard Walls”, Delderfield, school mistress, good.
Memo:
7th Phil to Switzerland – Hazel 10, 12 Grove Road 12.30 Victoria. Hotel Kulm, Davos Wolfgang, Switzerland.
11th B.A.A. Byzantine history in coins, Whitting.
11th U.F.A.W., U.C.H. 8 p.m.
8th Letter to Eva with recipes and enclosures.
Bicky 16th and Alys.
Sunday 13th February 1955
Frost. Some sun.
Alys down to breakfast and rheumatism much better. Also a good night. Alys wrote to Eva, Forces letter. I took it to Post Office in BHN at 3.10. Lamp in BHN again. “Ring For Jeeves”, talked of old times, Swiss. “Through the Eyes of a Child”, Stephen Grenfell and 8½ year daughter.
Monday 14th February 1955
Dull, drizzle in p.m.
Alys up and feeling well, but not out all day. Mrs Bearcroft here. I to Jones’ and to get paraffin and then met Mrs Hill and other shopping. Baked haddock (6.2. for 2 days). Rested on bed, slept. Began socks of old (new) purplish wool. Read old diaries about Wade’s death. “The Barlowes of Beddington”, “Guilty Party”.
Tuesday 15th February 1955
Fine.
Did laundry. Alys to shops in JLN and and met Mrs Hill. I walked to Boots. Mrs Bearcroft washed Phil‘s clothes. Wrote for car seat cover list for Alys. To post. Read diaries to Alys 1903 – 4 and 1907- 8. “The Archaeologist” – answering questions, Glyn Daniels, Sir Mortimer Wheeler, Stuart Piggott.
Wednesday 16th February 1955
Fine, then snow showers.
Alys and I to Cook’s in JLN and left it there for new engine £26. Brett, bonfire. Both to Bicky. Alys out shop. I lunch, meat pie and peas. Made Alys’ bed. Changed mattresses. To Private View, R.B.A. Beric Young. At 4.50 R.A.I. Colegrave. Lois and Laurie. All supped Lyons. Slept at Bicky. Alys too.
Thursday 17th February 1955
Snow on ground at Northwood.
Back (Colliver Fisher) to 12 Grove Road at 11.45. 2 postcards from Phil (fell on ice). Fed birds. Steak and cabbage. Neither of us out, till 4, when I took letters to post and filled car lamp and put BHN on charge (in garage, as JLN at Cook’s).
Friday 18th February 1955
Snow. Fine.
Letter from Eva. Postcard from Phil to Ays. Swept snow. Fed birds. In BHN to meet Mrs Hill, got pork, bread. Alys walked to shops and back. Skiddy on snow. Wrote to Marion Berry (about Mr Berry‘s death). Anthony Wedgwood Benn, “Any Questions”. “In All Directions”.
Saturday 19th February 1955
Very cold. North East wind.
Alys and I walked to shops (separately) for bread. Swept snow first. Fed birds. “One Bright Day”, (Trakone Drug Co., U.S.A.) good.
Memo:
16th R.A.I. Northumbrian Life (Venerable Bede) Colgrave. Golden Age of Northumbria.
21st A Redwing fed in garden.
Temperature at Northolt 19° – 20°F night, 3° below zero (35°F frost). 22nd – 47°F, frost.
Sunday 20th February 1955
Sunny, cold.
Swept new snow (about 3 inches in night). Derek too. Talked to Mrs Shuttleworth about Davos. Alys felt coldy and took rhinitis. Cold pork, swedees. I in my room. “The Ermine”, Anouilh. Alys in sitting-room. Wrote lettercard to Phil and posted it.
Monday 21st February 1955
Dull. Cold. Sleet now.
Alys to breakfast in dressing-gown. Mrs Bearcroft did my room. Alys stayed in bed all a.m., cold and sore throat. I walked to meet Mrs Hill and got 2¼lb bacon (7/6) and bread, leeks, ginger wine, sausages. Heated up pork lunch. Alys on bed all p.m. “The Barlowes of Beddington”, “Fair Music”, Brough, private school. “Crime is Their Business”.
Tuesday 22nd February 1955
Snow, dull. North East wind.
Mrs Bearcroft did Eve’s room. Cook and boy brought JLN back (new engine) and pushed CUC outside. I walked to get birdseed, coffee (Lyons 4 (2½lb!). Sausages, lunch. Alys to pillarbox and met Shuttleworth and child. Kippers, supper. “The Royal Graves at Ur”, C. J. Gadd.
Wednesday 23rd February 1955
Dull. Cold.
Mrs Hill (walked). Ordered 3lbs coffee from Fern’s, lettercard and 1/11 to make up to 21/– with credit. Pork chops, cauliflower. Alys wrote Miss Plumtree re. going by train. Took it to post. Tidied cover over CUC. (Alys’ cold rather heavy). “The Cruel Sea”, Jack Hawkins.
Thursday 24th February 1955
Cold East wind. Dull, Snow and sleet.
My old hot bottle (Husband’s, Richmond) leaked. Mrs Bearcroft, Eve’s room and dining-room. Alys’ cold still nasty. She didn’t dress all day. Down to meals in dressing-gown. Miss Plumtree phoned!! Eve coming by train!!! Walked to shops – farle and two hot bottles (6/11 each), one for Alys. Talk on “A Reasonable View of Obscenity”, 3rd Programme.
Friday 25th February 1955
Dull, cold.
Alys not very well, so I met Eve. Met Mrs Hill, and shopped, and she took Colliver Fisher up with things. I to Baker Street and taxi to Euston. Eve came 12.40; but late so 1.1 lunch, Cafeteria. Taxi to Bicky (left suitcase). Bus to Piccadilly. To Burlington House, Royal Academy Winter 18th century painters, Stubbs. To Rothes, (sandwich). Harrison’s with Eve’s watch, 10/–. Dental, 4.30 (Mrs Netherton). Taxi to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. By 5.24 from Marylebone. Northwood, Colliver Fisher. Fishcakes.
Saturday 26th February 1955
(no weather).
Alys stayed in bed all day, around 99°F. Mrs Bearcroft phoned and came with bread, did coals and fetched parrafin and cream cakes. Eve and I to get her shoes 65/–, Bowley’s. Lunch 12.40, steak and kidney pie, French beans, pineapple and Nestlé’s. To Rex (bus) – “The Man Who Loved Redheads”, Terence Rattigan (Who is Sylvia?), Moira Shearer. “The Cat and the Canary”.
Memo:
24th Alys to Northampton, Angel Hotel.
25th 4.30 Eve’s dentist, half term.
Phil back from 28th from Davos Wolfgang.
20th Phil moves to the Sport hotel, Parsenn, Davos Dorf.
28th Took BHN out over frozen snow, first time since 18th.
Sunday 27th February 1955
Very cold, frosty.
Alys in bed all day – over 99°F. Cold. Eve in her room knitting. I phoned Mr Netherton (Perivale 4551) re. Eve. Wrote Angel Hotel, Northampton (cancelling). Wrote Kitty. Alys wrote Eva. I to post. Did apple sauce.
Monday 28th February 1955
Very cold. Fine a.m.
Phil phoned from Bicky at 4!! Back from Davos. Alys still in bed all day, but ironed Eve’s confirmation dress and darned her stockings. I to meet Mrs Hill and shop. Eve too, to shop, get paraffin 4 gallons. Eve to Fisher’s, hair washed and cut. Liver and onions. Eve packed. At 4.40 Mr Netherton and Sandra called for Eve and took her to Northampton. Alys 99.6°F (only soup and Bovril).
Tuesday 1st March 1955
Sunny, less cold. Frost still.
Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ room while Alys in bed till 1. To shops in car. Got petrol. and spare tyre (flat). Alys had sole and mashed potatoes. She phoned Dr Baker. Did laundry. Dr Baker came at 4 – said Alys had bronchitis. “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” (Chanticleer, Pertelote).
Wednesday 2nd March 1955
Fine. Frosty.
Mrs Bearcroft came (bringing Telegraph). Mr Cowie scraped our path from ice. BHN to Jones’, fish. Met Mrs Hill. Gas Co. Alys had 3 fillets plaice and mashed potato. Dr Parker to see Alys at 5. Sent James‘ form back as not signed. Put JLN on charge. “Major Barbara”. Phil phoned.
Still frozen snow in front garden.
Thursday 3rd March 1955
Fine, cold.
Mrs Bearcroft. Alys in bed all day (still over 99°F). Dr Baker at 4. In Colliver Fisher at 11.11 to town. Porter took Phil’s suitcase to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (1/3). Out for milk. Lunch. Made Phil’s bed and cleaned room a bit. 2.30 or so home and Colliver Fisher up. Mrs Hill still with Alys (as gas man expected). Wrote Ernest Vernor Miles re. Sissie, and to post. Phil phoned from 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 8.15. Chicken broth.
Friday 4th March 1955
Fine, cold.
Mrs Bearcroft a.m. To shops in BHN. Met Mrs Hill. Got bell from Munnion’s 5/–. Alys had cold chicken and ham. (Must have sent 5/– Postal Order and form for James’ Licence to Ministry). “Any Questions”, “In All Directions” Ustinov and Jones.
Saturday 5th March 1955
Some snow very cold.
Phil phoned, coming today. Mrs Bearcroft came. I walked to get bread and Radio Times. Alys had boiled egg and toast. Phil came about 3.15. We all talked in Alys’ room. Alys came down to tea; and then back to bed 6.30 and Phil had rest. Then down to supper, cold chicken and ham, cheese. “The Man in the Queue”. Josephine Tey. Phil coughing.
Memo:
4th Phil to dinner Thoracic Society, Wynne. Sleep 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
28th Eve back to school.
2nd Election (County Council), Fashion show Boys Club 2.45.
Longden Exhibition 2nd till 15th – Walkers Gallery, New Bond Street
3rd Phil to Bicky, and sleep 3 nights there.
Laundry never called all week.
Sunday 6th March 1955
Snow showers with sun at times.
Swept snow and slush from garage doors. Alys in bed to breakfast. Phil down in dressing-gown. Alys dressed and all had lunch (steak and kidney pie and Smedley beans) in dining-room. Unpicked Phil‘s pullover welt. All talked by fire. Tea (Phil) marmite. He had bath at 3.30 or so. I made ham sandwiches and he to catch 5.57 to Ipswich after Vaseline on skates in BHN. Chicken soup and boiled eggs. To bed 8.30.
Monday 7th March 1955
Snow showers. North East wind.
Alys in bed a.m., and down to lunch in dressing-gown. I met Mrs Hill and to Jones‘. Mrs Bearcroft. Chicken and rice and leeks, semolina and cream. Dr Baker at 2.55 (Alys quite clear of bronchitis). Alys down to supper, kippers. “Christopher‘s Day”, (Usher, Radio U.S.A.).
Tuesday 8th March 1955
Sun and snow showers.
Alys breakfast in bed. Mrs Bearcroft came. Laundry came (week late). Marion Berry phoned. I to Degener‘s re. Eve‘s birthday cake and Smith’s for pad. Elizabeth’s steak pie lunch. Knitted welt. Wrote Kitty and to post. Alys on bed 3 –7. Phil phoned 8.30. Turpin beat Gonzalez. Dai Dower beat Gianelli. “Prince Isodore”, Evil eye.
Wednesday 9th March 1955
Fair. Very cold.
Alys in bed to breakfast. Mrs Bearcroft a.m. to do coals. I by 11.50 to Herbal shop. Took special essence. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Packed them and posted to Phil (express) 1/4. Tunny fish at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Evans’, got Eve‘s gloves at Lewis’ 9/11. To Major Longden’s Show (memorial). To R.A.I. Talked to Lane-Roberts, Lois, Booth! 6.38 back to Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. “The Dover Road”.
Much snow in shade still. Frost every night.
Thursday 10th March 1955
Fine, cold.
Alys down to breakfast (dressing-gown). Mrs Bearcroft. BHN to get things for James – biscuits, dates. To Annette’s for Alys’ knickers. Back and Alys and I packed tin, and I took to post (2/3). Mince and pie. Marion Berry to tea. Finished Phil‘s welt. Alys cooked bacon and eggs. Wrote Doris.
Friday 11th March 1955
Sunny. Cold. North East wind.
Alys out in JLN (after non-starting). In BHN to Annette’s and posted Phil’s pullover. Met Mrs Hill (with pork and leeks). Wrote Eva, and to post. “Any Questions”, One of Our Submarines”.
Saturday 12th March 1955
Fine. Cold. North East wind.
To High Street for kippers. Posted 2 egg-boxes. Met Alys in Sainsbury’s. She in JLN, I in BHN. She met Mrs Springford. Mince and leeks. Did neck of old pullover (greeny–blue cable). Birds very hungry. Phil phoned. “The Human Touch”, Dr James Simpson, chloroform.
Memo:
9th Took C.H.W.’s clock to Harrison‘s.
9th R.A.I. – the Allée Couverte of France, Glyn Daniel.
14th, 15th – 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 13th March 1955
Fine, cold.
Thrush on windowsill. Wrote Laurie lettercard re. “Countryman”. Alys washed socks. Cold pork, Fropax peas, baked potatoes. Bernice in, and talk (Italy). Postcard to Doris, to pillarbox. Alys and I slept in chairs. “The Old Man and the Sea”, Ernest Hemingway (Chapman).
Monday 14th March 1955
Fine, warmer.
Mrs Bearcroft (Phil‘s room). I to get bacon at Hudson‘s (Mrs Hill, 11) and we had it hot for lunch. Colliver Fisher to Station. 119 Bickenhall Mansions (after Alys took ticket at Webster‘s). Alys packed Phil’s big suitcase and phoned Marylebone. I got milk and bread. Rest. Phil phoned 8.15.
Tuesday 15th March 1955
Fair, mild.
Mrs Bearcroft, my room. I out at 9 to get rope, and we roped up Phil’s suitcase. Alys out at 11, until 4. I took down bedroom curtains and put up clean ones. Washed paint. Out to get coffee and put £4 on credit at Fern’s. Ordered mixtures at Culpepper and took Alys’ 2/6 to join Herbalist. Lois phoned.
Wednesday 16th March 1955
Fine (53°F).
Out for butter (for Alys) and key shop. Tidied up, and Alys, and she away about 12 (taxi to Liverpool Street station, taking Phil‘s case). I, sausage lunch, and at 1.45 Doris and Sylvia came. I away; and Northwood (posted Alys’ parcel to her). Colliver Fisher up. Fed birds. To pillarbox with James‘ letter. “Caroline”, Somerset Maugham, Roger Livesey, Ursula Jeans.
19th Greenfinch?
Thursday 17th March 1955
Fine. Cold.
Met Mrs Hill (instead of Wednesday). Posted parcels – bacon and oatmeal and Herbals and shirts to Alys. Warmed up pork; apples and pie crust and ice cream. Lettercard to Alys. Letter to Nellie Moir . Began turning sheet (1919), sides to middle. Card and letter to Eve. Sausages and tomato.
Friday 18th March 1955
Fine, cold.
Took Alys’ wireless (Dennis’) to Northwood Hills Radio. Met Mrs Hill. Again to shops for bread and leeks. Steak and kidney lunch, castle pudding. Cozy stove in sitting-room lit and dining-room one out. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Finished sheet machining all evening. Wrote Ernest Vernor Miles with his carbon copy re. Sissie’s Estate. Snow in night.
Saturday 19th March 1955
Fine, cold.
Walked to shops and Boots and new Biro refills. Steak and kidney at 1.30. Machined sheet (sides to middle) from Alys’ wardrobe and looked over dust sheets. “The Waves”, Virginia Wolf – 3 men and 3 women. “Here and Now – 1898, 1918, 1938”, Lionel Brown, quite good play.
Memo:
15th Longden Show closes.
18th Eve‘s birthday (15).
Alys going back to Aldeburgh 16th.
16th Freer’s to Bicky (window cleaner at 12 Grove Road).
BHN on charge 19th – 20th.
Paper says Winston will resign April election.
Sunday 20th March 1955
Fine, cold frost at night.
Defrosted Fridge. Finished sheet. 2 greenfinches on lawn. “Scrapbook for 1930”, Amy Johnson, Room 101, Neville Shute, blood groups discovered.
Monday 21st March 1955
Fine, cold.
Mrs Bearcroft, Alys’ room. I walked to Boots. Mended Crimea book (Russell’s). Sausages and tomato. Washed stockings. Gasman brought pipe for bathroom heater. Alys phoned 7.30 for chair.
Tuesday 22nd March 1955
Dull. Showers.
Laundry. Paper re. bird protection, and I took it for signatures. Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. In BHN for paraffin and petrol. Met Mrs Hill, cheese pudding and Savoy cabbage. Sent off chair by rail to Alys 7/6. To post lettercard to Alys. Called on Mitchell and Selden and Judy Boyd. After supper, Mr Shuttleworth, Cattle’s and Major Atkinson and Jones.
Wednesday 23rd March 1955
Fair. Milder. Gale.
Brett came. Mr Jones brought my gloves. BHN to shops. Postal orders for £3 to James for ticket. Mrs Hill, liver and onions. At 5 to Mrs Hutchinson for signature, then to Mrs Newman and the Hinds-Howell’s also. Lettercard to Alys. Wrote Laurie. “Johnson Over Jordan”.
119 Bickenhall Mansions 25th – no newspapers evening and no newspaper Saturday a.m. – Strike engineers.
Thursday 24th March 1955
Rain early. Fair, mild.
Put £350 in National Provincial Bank, Ernest Vernor Miles sent legacy cheques. Mrs Bearcroft, Phil‘s bedroom. Walked to shops (1st to Cattle’s and Griffiths’ re. fence). Took petition to Mrs Wickham (and Mr), signed. Wrote Nell Sandeman with cheque £20 and Pauline Barnard. BHN to Rex 2,30 (after Lady Tweedsmuir talk on the bird protection law, “Woman’s Hour”). “A Prize of Gold”, Richard Widmark, Nigel Patrick, Mai Zetterling.
Friday 25th March 1955
Mild, dull.
Greenhill came re. fence. In BHN to meet Mrs Hill, pork loin. The town, 119 Bickenhall Mansions to get Alys’ side combs, and rayon taffeta for her dressing- gown. 3/11, Lewis’ (14/9 for 5 yards). Got Herbal medicine 13/–, got “The Reason Why 8/–, Times. Slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Nellie Barnard phoned re. legacy.
Saturday 26th March 1955
(no weather)
To Bank, National Provincial. Ate cheese lunch at 12. 159 to Westminster. In Abbey. At 1.30 to Church House, Hoare Memorial Hall R.S.P.B. meeting. To flat by 5, and to Northwood, arriving by 5.15. Colliver Fisher up. Sports News – Cambridge won boat race. Cut out rayon taffeta back.
Memo:
26th 2.30 R.S.P.B. Hoare Memorial Hall (entrance Great Smith Street), Church House, Westminster.
26th 11 a.m. haircut, Wells.
25th Greenhill re. fence 11 or before.
No newspapers all week.
Sunday 27th March 1955
Fair. Cold.
Busy all day sewing rayon taffeta onto Alys’ old dressing-gown. Lettercard to Alys and post with it. Broccoli spears, Frood. James phoned re. arriving. Aired James‘ bed (Phil‘s room). Alys phoned.
Monday 28th March 1955
Fair, cold.
Mrs Bearcroft. Airing blanket from Alys’ bed. In BHN to meet Mrs Hill – ½ leg of mutton 9/-, 3lb bacon 14/–, bread, cakes. 12.15 to Wells for hair trim. James arrived 1.35. He had rest (3 hours sleep!). No tea but supper 7 o’clock with cold meats, gingerbread. “What Do You Know?”. James to bed at 8. “The Barlowes of Beddington”. Alys phoned twice re. licence.
Tuesday 29th March 1955
Cold. Fine.
Very blocked nose – cold? James had haircut; and wrote Eva and Eve. I to get broccoli spears and pies and bacon. Cold joint and mashed potato, broccoli and apple crunchy. I to Liverpool Street station to meet Alys 4.9. I finished dressing-gown. They back to tea. Early to bed.
Wednesday 30th March 1955
Fine. Very, very cold.
James off 8.35 to go to industrial psychology test. Alys in BHN to meet Mrs Hill. Mrs Bearcroft here. Brett here. Rissoles produced by Mrs Hill. James back about 5.45. Listened “The Lost Centuries” in kitchen 7.30. Talk about James‘ future – Pre’s?
Borough Council voting 31st.
Thursday 31st March 1955
Cold, fine, sunny.
Still very stuffy. Mrs Bearcroft. Brigeon 1st time mowing lawns. Alys and James in BHN to get Mrs Hill and Alys’ battery for JLN. Sausages and mash. I walked to vote and get peanuts, rolls. Wrote Horace Barnard. Alys and James an hour out in JLN, James driving. Alys to bed at 7.30; no supper. Kippers and ginger pudding.
Friday 1st April 1955
Fine, milder.
Alys in bed all a.m. (breakfast in dressing-gown). James off about 10, see man re. Navy for National Service, and then Psycho 2 – 5. I in BHN to High Street and Cook’s and met Mrs Hill (pork joint). Took Mrs Hill back to Northwood Hills in BHN. Called for spare tyre. James home 6.45, good report. Scholarship, Doctor?
Saturday 2nd April 1955
Fair, mild.
James took cycle to shop. Alys in JLN filled up petrol. I to Bicky at 12.59 – 1.30 arrived and back by 1.38 with Alys’ coat. Sandwich on train. Alys and James met me, and straight onto Northampton (The Angel). I rested. “Tania”, Adrian Alington. Read “Countrymans”, “The Gun”.
Memo:
National Institute of Industrial Psychology 30th 9.45 all day and 1st 2 p.m. 14 Welbeck Street.
28th James back. 29th Alys back 4.25.
Dr Baker for ears April 30th.
R.A.I. Bodleian. Myers and Rouse.
1st B.A.A.
No newspapers 9th day.
5th Churchill resigns premiership.
6th Antony Eden Prime Minister.
5th Frigidaire service.
Sunday 3rd April 1955
Showery.
Washed cushion cover and mats. Finished James‘ socks and soaked them. Pork chops under grill. Poems and prayers on the donkey – “The Ass They Servant”.
Monday 4th April 1955
Fair, mild.
Hawkins’ Alan came, took electric water heater. Ironed mats. To Dr Baker at 9 for ear syringing. Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ room. Met Mrs Hill. She did fish lunch. Alys and James back at about 12.15. James working at his wireless. He and I in BHN to Edgely’s 5.30 for trousers and shirt. “The Key of the Garden”, Jesus’ tomb.
Tuesday 5th April 1955
Dull. Very mild.
Took James to station (to meet Eve at Euston). Got pies. Alys to Bicky to meet James and Eve and have pies for lunch. James back at 3. Overend’s man serviced Frigidaire. Wrote Kitty. Sent “Countrymans” to Laurie. Wrote Eva. Alys and Eve back at 6. Tongue and salad supper. All early to bed. (Churchill’s resignation).
Wednesday 6th April 1955
Dull. Showers.
Alys and Eve packed. I took James in BHN to get his bicycle. He sent it off to Botley. Home. Met Mrs Hill, after Alys and Eve away in JLN to Aldeburgh at 11.15. Sausages, jam tart. Rest. James started packing. At 5.20, took him to train. He to Temple Station, and to R.N.V.R. (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve) ship, King’s Reach. Home 7.45. Tongue. Alys phoned.
No newspapers. John Morgan’s death on 8 a.m. News 9th.
Thursday 7th April 1955
Dull, rain p.m.
Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Ironed trouser seams. James packed trunk. I packed his things in my green suitcase. At 11.50 we to Carey’s with tuck box and on to Moor Park. James off to Silyn Roberts’ (lunch, Waterloo). I lunch; then Colliver Fisher to station with trunk (sent Aldeburgh) and myself to Bicky. To Lilley & Skinner‘s for Eve sandals. Supper in bed. Play about bomb – “The Last of the Wine”.
Friday 8th April 1955
Fair.
To 12 Grove Road, walked up. Washed woollies. Minced ham and lettuce. Rest p.m. To bed 8 p.m. (tired). “Any Questions”. “Bird Song and Music”, Koch.
Saturday 9th April 1955
Very fine, warm.
8 a.m. News John Morgan’s death. BHN wouldn’t start. Walk to Cook’s. Shopped, oranges, ice cream, cream. Cooked rhubarb. Cook pushed CUC into garage and brought CUC battery up for BHN. Wrote lettercard to Alys, postcard to Mrs Bearcroft. BHN to Post Office and changed bad oranges. Took yellow off cardigan. “Someone Waiting”, Emlyn Williams.
Memo:
3rd Eve’s Confirmation. Alys and James sleep The Angel, Northampton.
5th Eve back, appointment 5th 11.27.
8th Travel films, bring and buy plant stall.
6th Alys and Eve to Aldeburgh.
5th Alys and Eve a week somewhere between.
7th James visits Silyn Roberts.
No papers.
12th 119 Bickenhall Mansions
Sunday 10th April 1955
Dull, mild, showers.
Eve to her first Communion at Aldeburgh Church. About 30 daffodils out in orchard. Worked on striped coloured blouse, and altered tweed coat (old one). Moses Storkey, Ferryman”, Eric Crozier. Robert Sherwood on “Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Old Campaigner”, (10 years ago died). “In Spite of Dungeons”, Reverend Davies in Korean prison.
Monday 11th April 1955
Fine, mild.
Picked daffodils to send Alys. Washed things; petticoat. Ironed later. “Captains All”, Jacobs. Sausage and salad. “A By-Election in the Nineties”, Henry Reed. Alys phoned at 7.15. Minced ham omelette. “The Barlowes of Beddington. “Marius”, Marcel Pagnol – Marseille girl and boy.
Tuesday 12th April 1955
Mild, greyish.
Mrs Bearcroft. I to post daffodils and coat to Alys and met Mrs Hill. Packed bags. Cheese pudding. At about 2.15 Colliver Fisher to station with Mrs Hill. 2.27 to Baker Street. Mr Davies carried bags to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (1/6). Phil in from Clement and to Smart. Rested. “President Franklin Delano Roosevelt”, Denis Brogan and Isaiah Berlin 3rd Programme. “The Archaeologist – The Hunter Fishers of Star Carr”, Graham Clark and Harry Godwin.
Aldeburgh
Wednesday 13th April 1955
Fine. North wind.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned flat. I to Hamley’s for Contraband 6/11 and Bank. Lunch 11.50. Taxi to Liverpool Street station 12.15. Train 1.30 (honeymoon U.S.?) to Aldeburgh. 4.40 Alys met in JLN. To Mrs Robinson, 31 Crag Path. Eve came. Alys got wireless connector and cake. “The Archers”. Supper 6.30. Roosevelt, French programme.
15th Sir Antony Eden gave polling day – May 26th.
Mrs Robinson, 31 Crag Path. 7.7.0 per week.
Thursday 14th April 1955
Very fine but North East wind.
Breakfast 9. Walked along to Alys’ (5 The Rest). Bought peppermint. Lunch 1.5 at 31 Crag Path. Heard bed and breakfast terms “10/6 to 12/6” so to see Alys (and Eve) at Parker’s. In JLN with them to Snape Common. Photos of deer (Chinese). Rest of 31 Crag Path. Posted letter to Griffiths, enclosing Greenhills’. Supper 6.30. “The Archers: in Mrs Robinson‘s room.
Friday 15th April 1955
Fair. Fine at times. Cold.
Broke adapter (Alys‘) so to Noller‘s for new 13/4. To Alys’. Eve painting big models (Layton copies). Washed 3 pairs James‘ socks. Got “Mother and Son”, Compton Burnett from Library. Bought wool (nylon mixture) for socks 9/9½ and nylon stockings 12/11. Rest. Alys came 6.45 and did wireless. Radio fell off arm of chair just after Eden‘s announcement. James arrived, and slept in room.
Saturday 16th April 1955
Fine p.m. Cold.
Alys and Eve had hair done. I sat in sun outside Moot House. All 4 of us to lunch, White Lion 6/– (with shandy 27/8 so 30/–). Out in JLN; James driving (L) by Saxmundham. To Orford, up castle. Got radio back mended! 3/–. To cinema, “Six Bridges to Cross “, Korea, U.S.A. Force. Supper, Parker‘s James, Eve and I.
Memo:
15th James from Southampton to Aldeburgh.
13th To Aldeburgh, Mrs Robinson 31 Crag Path. Liverpool Street station 1.30 arrive 4.35
(14th Wrote Kitty).
15th B.A.A. – Dissolution of monasteries in London, Miss Marjorie Honeybourne.
14th Kit to Maie. Gave Mrs Hill £5.
15th or 16th Eve to Lichfield to Helena‘s.
19th Budget 6d off Income Tax.
No papers.
20th Paper strike settled.
Summertime begins.
Sunday 17th April 1955
Lovely day.
Soaked Phil’s socks and re-footed ones. Sat in sunny window, wrote Eva with Income Tax form and Ernest Vernor Miles and Harrods (for Eve’s frocks). To Alys’. James and Eve writing. Dinner 1. Rest. Alys at 3.10 and 3.20 in JLN (James driving) to St Helen’s, Foxhall. All and Phil sat on bracken. Back 5. Alys and I to Abbott’s sherry party. Dried Phil’s socks. Salmon salad.
Monday 18th April 1955
Dull and cold all day.
Along for Radio Times and Alys for socks. Back at 11. Darned James‘ socks. Again at 2 and 5 for Radio Times, but no success. Alys and Eve and James to Ipswich. “Black Chiffon”, Gladys Young p.m. To little shop re. wool for cardigan. “Target”. Began Phil’s socks. “The Barlowes of Beddington”.
Tuesday 19th April 1955
Very fine.
Along to get Radio Times and sent 1/– Postal Order for Youth Hostels. Darned socks in sunshine. Alys to chicken dinner at 1. Eve and James at 2. All away. Rested. At 5 Eve came with music and practised. James and I in JLN for him to practice reversing at corners and drawing up at curbs. Budget by Butler.
Wednesday 20th April 1955
Fine, warmer.
To order Times for tomorrow. I, Alys with James and Eve to Lowestoft (picnic lunch) for James’ driving test at 3. He failed on backing. I darned and sewed on names. Rest. To 5 The Rest at 4. They home 5.30. “Contraband”. James with map making itinerary of his hitchhike. “An Enemy of the People”, Stephen Murray 8.30. Ina reset clock.
Newspapers again. 21st bought the last 1½ Evening News.
All evening papers up to 2d.
Thursday 21st April 1955
Cold, sunny.
Alys up at 6 to give James breakfast 7 and take him to main road by 8 a.m. Watched High Tide and turn 10.26. Eve and Alys in JLN. Eve and I got tickets for “Dial M For Murder”, 2/6 each. Took alarm clock back to Ing – 9d for hire. To Barclays Bank. Rest p.m. and sewed new jumper neck. Eve and I to Jubilee Hall 8 for play, Caryl Jenner Mobile Theatre. Wrote Mrs Bearcroft lettercard and Mrs Hill with pound note.
Friday 22nd April 1955
Fair.
Met Eve doing Alys’ shopping. To 5 The rest. Sewed hem of Eve’s Changi frock. Alys at 2.10 by bus to Ipswich, as Phil having tooth out at 5. Afternoon sewing at 5 The Rest. Eve to “The Purple Plain” with Hadow’s and supper. I back at 7 to supper and then to 5 The Rest again to see Phil. Alys drove back with him and he to bed. Bits of tooth still in. “The Streets of Pompeii” by Henry Reed.
Saturday 23rd April 1955
Mild. Fine.
Phil‘s tooth not aching, but he stayed in bed all day, (no food for days so weak). Shopped. Alys met Olive Riggs who up to see Phil. Rest after lunch (Eve to point-to-point with Hadow’s). To 5 The Rest at 4.30. Mollie back and she to see Phil. She took me back in car. “The Long Sunset”, Sherriff – Romans left in Britain. Talk on Slade School – “The Slade in 1900”, Hubert Wellington.
Memo:
19th Budget.
Kitty to George’s? 25th.
20th Phil to Blennerhassett, 4. To Bicky? James’ driving test.
21st James starts hitchhike to Devonshire in with Chudley. L. John Paul’s.
Bicky 26th, 27th.
Sunday 24th April 1955
Fine. North East wind.
Along and sat by Moot House; then to 5 The Rest at 12. Phil in bed. Eve doing oil of colt lying down. Rest after lunch. “The Critics”. To 5 The Rest at 3; with Phil till 3.30. Then he up and to Riggs’. Eve to Hadow’s. I with Alys. Phil back 6.45 (and away to Ipswich (dentist) at 7.8. (James at Lands End). “Nomad Refugees”, Dardenelles.
Monday 25th April 1955
Fine. Cold East wind.
To “Aldeburgh Court” room for my green suitcase (lent to James). To 5 The Rest and heard James phoned from 12 Grove Road last night! Took suitcase back. Sewed on buttons (on James’ shirts). In p.m. saw Alys and Eve at room. Rest. To 5 The Rest. Alys and Eve out in JLN, back with James!!! (picked up at Snape). Sewed names on Eve’s socks. To 31 Crag Path. Supper. Packed bags.
London
Tuesday 26th April 1955
Dullish. Mild. Fine p.m.
Aldred’s taxi 8.20. Alys in JLN at station! 8.35 to Liverpool Street station. Taxi (arrived 11.28) 8.9 with tip via Smithfield. Out for rolls. Lunch (Robinson). Phoned Old Vic and Devonshire and Lyric Hammersmith. Lettercard to Alys, Postal Order 15/– Lyric. At 8.30 46 Green Street. Sir Archibald Gordon on Labour in the U.S. Marguerite Zouck, Professor Newall, Kenneth Moir. Very good refreshments.
Wednesday 27th April 1955
Dull, mild.
Out to Bruce Green, and then Fern’s (13/– from £4 deposit), Shearn’s, Selfridge’s. 119 Bickenhall Mansions to lunch. Rest. Sleep. At 4.15 to R.A.I. for 5. Lecture. Home to Bicky. Supper, sardines. “A Woman of No Importance”, Wilde.
Railway strike called for May 1st.
Thursday 28th April 1955
Dull, mild.
Lettercard from Alys re. tennis racquet shop, so out (with zip bag to cloakroom 5d) and to shop! Back and out again (sent wire) 11.37 to Northwood. To Sorting Office, Colliver Fisher home. Mrs Bearcroft. Phoned C.P. re. cycle. BHN to Council re. proxy vote (for Eva). Steak and peas (Mrs Hill). Rest. Wrote Ernest Vernor Miles re. Sissie’s Edward Barnard shares and lettercard to Alys. To post. Washed socks (James’).
Friday 29th April 1955
Very mild. Fine.
Shopped, with BHN – shoulder of lamb 8/6 and Hudson‘s gammon 11/-, “purple sproutings”. Mrs Hill. Mrs Bearcroft in p.m. Washed clothes. Read back number Times. Pulled up weeds in little strawberry bed. Gentians out! Picked daffodils for Mrs Bearcroft and Mrs Hill. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 30th April 1955
Fine. Warm.
Washed things. To shops BHN. 6 p.m. News. Railway strike off. Kit phoned from Kings Langley. Two matinees – “The Chocolate Flyer” and “Her Best Foot Forward”, “The Witch”, Norwegian by Liverpool Rep.
Memo:
25th Kitty to George’s or Bicky?
29th Charlie and Sybil arrive.
26th To Bicky.
26th British American Association, Allied Circle 8.30 46 Green Lane.
27th R.A.I. 5 p.m.
4th James’ cycle sent by railway (18/6).
Sunday 1st May 1955
Rainy.
Airing beds. Alys phoned re. coming by car. “The Last Wilderness”, Dartmoor. James came (from Aldeburgh) about 11 p.m. Had cold bacon, cheese. Lemon Idris upset over trousers so I washed it off and ironed the creases till 12.30 a.m.
Monday 2nd May 1955
Dull and fine intervals.
James packed suitcase and I took him to Moor Park 10.57. (Phoned Dr Baker (Harrison?) re. burn, first). To shops and met Mrs Hill – sausages (and she cooked mince). At about 4.30 Alys and Eve came in JLN from Aldeburgh. Scrambled eggs (Eve) and bacon. Eve and I to Lyric Theatre Hammersmith by tube via Baker Street. Puppets Skupa, Czech. Bus to Shepherd’s Bush and Goldhawk Road back.
Tuesday 3rd May 1955
Sun a.m. Colder. Showers.
Alys and Eve to 62 Harley Street for Eve‘s teeth (and tennis racket (3.10.0)). I to shops and got Sissies’ radio. Mrs Bearcroft here (eyes bad). Alys and Eve back to lunch. Mince. Treacle tart. Oil paints. Alys and Eve to dentist (Dalton) at 3. At 5 all to Rex – Swedish “The Great Adventure”, Ottie and “The Night My Number Came Up”, Michael Redgrave (Air Marshal Hardie – dreamer), Denholm Elliot (fighter pilot).
Wednesday 4th May 1955
Sun and showers.
Brett. Eve with Alys to shops and Alys left JLN at Cook’s. I took BHN to Cook’s for Alys, and walked home, via Bank (put £40 in – Dorothy Barnard). Mrs Hill, liver and onions. Eve washed hair. At 1.35 to Station BHN. Alys saw Eve off to Overstone School. I to Lilley & Skinner’s; changed sandals for “Airborne’s”. To R.A.I., Jack Simmons on Leicester. To Northwood, and Colliver Fisher up by 7.20. Supper with Alys.
Thursday 5th May 1955
Showers and sun, windy.
Alys to town all day (trying to get wedding present for Elizabeth Hale). I loft, finding orange squeezer. Wrote Teddy re. £48 from Harrod. Wrote R.A.I. with cheque £11 for Leicester meeting. Slept in p.m. Kippers. “The Travellers – Primitive Peoples”, Laurens Van der Post, Chapman.
Friday 6th May 1955
Dull, showers.
Alys away in JLN about 11 to Aldeburgh. I to Free Library, Northwood Hills for Powell‘s initials. Met Mrs Hill. Sent off James’ psychiatric report to Powell. Wrote Income Tax reclaim form. “Albert Nobbs” from George Moore’s “A Story-Teller’s Holiday”, waiter, a woman.
Saturday 7th May 1955
Perfect.
Washed grey cardigan, and Ella‘s bed-jacket. To Bank, and shops. “Many Deaths”, play Frank King. Newcastle v. Manchester City, Cup Final. Eden‘s political BBC as Prime Minister. “By Misadventure”, Val Gielgud. Poison wife and secretary.
Memo:
2nd Alys and Eve come. Puppets – Lyrics 7.15.
2nd James to school.
3rd Eve 11 o’clock 62 Harley Street.
4th Eve back to school.
3rd Eve 3 p.m. Dalton (Devonshire).
1st James here in evening
5th or 6th Alys back to Aldeburgh.
3rd Posted parcel clothes to James.
4th Cycle sent by railway.
Sunday 8th May 1955
(no weather)
Washed things. Wrote letter to Alys re. her cheque £25. “Roman London”, Leonard Cottrell 3.30. “Son and Lover” portrait of D. H. Lawrence by his friends. Greenhill came for fence.
Monday 9th May 1955
Sun and showers.
BHN wouldn’t start. Walked to shops and met Mrs Hill, meat pasty. At 2.30 to bus-stop, and by 2.53 to Watford. Kitty met, and bus on to Abbots Langley 6d. Walk to Buchanan’s (Joy‘s birthday!). Sarah 9 months. Took book on fishes to Edward, duck to Sarah. In garden. Bus from bypass to Watford. 347 to Northwood. Took Oxhey one first by mistake. Both are 347.
Tuesday 10th May 1955
Rain and some sun.
Brigeon 16/6 (for 3 times). Mrs Bearcroft, Eve‘s room. Wrote Eva with enclosed Bank and water rate. Mr Cook came and later again and took BHN away, to see why battery flat (twice). Tired and did very little. Blackbirds charming. “The Three Fat Women of Antibes”, Somerset Maugham. “The Mountain Men”, (the American frontiersman).
Wednesday 11th May 1955
Fine, cool.
Phil phoned 8.45 or 9.15. To have hair trim 11 (Wells). Mrs Hill. Explained. Train to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Got milk. Buckling lunch. Rest. Phil up (for shopping) at 4; very thin. Talk and tea. Heinz Sandwich Spread. He away 5.45. Cream of green pea soup. “There’s Always Juliet”, van Druten.
Baby blackbird out of nest – 12th.
Austrian Peace Treaty signed – 15th.
Thursday 12th May 1955
Fine, cooler.
Back to Northwood about 11.30. To Cook’s for BHN, but not ready so Colliver Fisher as bag heavy. Two matinees. Weeded a little. Cleaned car a bit. BHN back in p.m. To shops for eggs, watercress 6d (lettuces 1/6 each!). “The Travellers – Under Sail”, storms at sea, Edward Allcard, Alan Villiers, Duncan Carse.
Friday 13th May 1955
Showery.
Met Mrs Hill, sausages and bacon for boiling 4/6, pancakes. To town. Rest at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Chandos Street. Tea 4.30. Very good talk – Arthur Gardner, The East Anglian Bench-End Menagerie – poppy heads, unicorns with horn tucked in! To 119 Bickenhall Mansions for “The Archers”. Then 7.4 home. BHN up. Edith Pitt, Conservative talk, good. “Any Questions”, country topics.
Saturday 14th May 1955
Cool, sunny.
Saw blackbird’s baby in Cattle‘s garden. BHN to shops and voted (Urban District Council). Read and slept in chair. At 4 walked to get butter and bread. “The Same Sky”, Yvonne Mitchell wrote and acted Esther. Jews and Goys.
Memo:
9th Kit meets Watford 3 – 3.30.
11th Haircut 11 a.m. Wells.
13th B.A.A. Arthur Gardner – The East Anglian Bench-End Menagerie.
15th Marion Berry to tea.
14th Vote Urban District Council.
18th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Roads blocked. Snowdrifts and frost in places. Lambs and sheep die and cattle suffer.
Sunday 15th May 1955
Fine and showers. Cold, thundery.
Cleared up medicine drawer. Threw away bottles. Cleaned sweeper (Bissell) of massed dirt and maggots (moth)!! Bags. Marion Berry to tea bringing banana and other sandwiches (!) “Foundations of Strength – Integrity”, John Maud. “Bereft of Light”, panel of three blind men, doctor solicitor. Questions answered. Audience.
Monday 16th May 1955
Cold, sunny, some rain.
Mrs Bearcroft, Phil‘s bedroom. I got James‘ tennis racquet and swimming trunks from loft. Did them up and posted them to Sherborne. Also £33.9.2 registered to Amersham County Council (rates). Mrs Hill had to walk up, as BHN at Cook’s, tyre valve replaced. Corned beef pie. Weeded. Wrote Eva airmail letter. Wrote James lettercard. “Uncle Silas”.
Tuesday 17th May 1955
Very cold.
Laundry. Mrs Bearcroft did bathroom. Postcard to Lois in Argyll. Darned sheet. Walked down for cream. “Uncle Fred Flits By”, Wodehouse. “The New Catacomb”, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Wednesday 18th May 1955
Showery, very cold.
Petrol, oil. Brett came. To station in BHN re. James‘ cycle. Met Mrs Hill. Sent wire to James. Wrote Alys. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions and to Eva‘s Bank; put in £14. To Trafford Gallery in Mount Street 5/–, 2/– catalogue, “Painting for Pleasure”. To R.A.I. Tea and Corder’s talk. Supper, Lyons with Laurie who paid. Slept 119 Bickenhall Mansions. “Night Was Our Friend”, Belle Chrystall.
Baby blackbird came with parents.
Thursday 19th May 1955
Sun and showers.
Gasman came. Phoned Handy. Out to pay electric bill; got shoes seen in Hardy‘s window. Got wool at Selfridge’s. Fetched C.H.W.‘s clock from Harrison’s £2. Lunch 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Out for sherry, Bristol Cream 25/–. Cleaned and at 6.10 Handy came, and Mollie about 6.30. Stayed till 7.30. Then I Northwood by 8.20 (arrived) and Colliver Fisher up. “The Travellers”, Laurens van der Post, Peter Fleming, Bernard Fergusson, Peter Scott.
Friday 20th May 1955
Very cold. Showers.
In BHN, got pork. Mrs Hill. Eva‘s proxy vote paper came. Tidied hat boxes. Finished Phil socks (nylon and wool, brown). Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Attlee talk. Phoned British Oxygen Co. European Horse Trials, British team won. Major Weldon on Kilbarry, marvellous.
Saturday 21st May 1955
Sun and shower.
Walked to shops. Mince and peas. Wool came from Selfridge’s. Began knitting. “Billy Graham” from Wembley 8 – 9, Butler‘s broadcast. “Heather on Fire”, Perth Rep.
Memo:
15th Marion Berry to tea.
16th Kitty to Alys (to Aldeburgh – Jays B&B till 30th).
18th R.A.I. tea at 4. Corder at 5 – The Reorganisation of the Defences of Romano-British Towns in the Fourth Century.
19th Gas 9.30 – 11.
19th Davis, Eve’s skirt and jumper ready.
25th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Two baby blackbirds of Tamey and Lamey.
Dock and stevedores strike, 18,000 out.
Sunday 22nd May 1955
Cold. Sunny mostly.
“The Archers” at 10. Washed gloves. Wrote Phil with Greenhill’s bill for fence £14. Airmail letter to Eva £14 into her Bank. To Cattle’s to get signature witnessed – proxy vote. “The Golden Butterfly”, Gilbert Murray on truth, “Foundations of Strength”. Senior Common Room on “Telepathy”.
Monday 23rd May 1955
Fine, warmer.
BHN to shops and Mrs Hill. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my bedroom. Picked lily of the valley, mint and parsley and Mrs Hill took to post. Wrote Alys and to post it. Posted Eva‘s proxy vote. “Murder Without Motive”. Molière’s “The Miser”, Norman Shelley.
Tuesday 24th May 1955
Fine, warm.
Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. Walked to get bread. Weeded and gave roses bonemeal. Got Eve‘s jumper, blue 3/6. Wrote Kitty (to come this week – strike?) Bonemeal and weeding. Blackbirds p.m. “The Human Age”, The Childermass, Wyndham Lewis. “The Archaeologist”, questions answered by Wheeler, Pigott, Daniel.
Wednesday 25th May 1955
Dullish, warmer.
Brett came, sewed Godetia and Clarkia. Met Mrs Hill, sausages and mash. 1.42 to town. Took milk in. Cleaned bookshelves in bedroom. Washed things. Minced ham and lettuce. “The Gioconda Smile”, Aldous Huxley (Clive Brook).
Conservatives 344, government majority 60, finally.
Labour 277, Liberal 6, Sinn Fein 2.
Thursday 26th May 1955
Fine, windy.
Letters from Alys and Kitty re. plans. Mrs Bearcroft came, and cleaned. I cleaned bookshelves, windowsill. To Bank. Corned beef lunch. Cleaned larder; washed dusters. 4.19 to Northwood. Voted (Crowder) on way home. Lettercard to Alys in train. “The Human Age”, Monstre Gat. Listened to results from 10.30 till 1.30. Slept till 3.30. Listened till 4 a.m.
Friday 27th May 1955
Fine after heavy rain. Warm.
Swing to Conservatives. Knitted. Met Mrs Hill – got bacon 7.6. She got mince. Listened to results. Knitted. In garden – bonemeal to roses. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Phil phoned at 5.40 from flat (119 Bickenhall Mansions). Just off to Le Lavandou. To bed at 7.45 (no fire downstairs).
Saturday 28th May 1955
Dullish.
To High Street in BHN for bread and shops. Some weeding in garden. Finished back of knitted coat. Began side. “The Human Age”, (3) Malign Fiesta. “Death Has Deep Roots”, Michael Gilbert. Railway strike began midnight.
Memo:
27th British Oxygen – call afternoon.
27th Phil with Riggs, to Le Lavandou on 28th.
26th Election – polling day.
30th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Lamey in nest again; laying.
Railway strike began midnight.
31 Ministers to Balmoral. Emergency Powers to Government.
Sunday 29th May 1955
Fair to fine.
Wrote Eva. Not outside garden all day.
Monday 30th May 1955
Perfect day.
In garden. 3.30 “Touching Wood” and “A Place of One’s Own”, Osbert Sitwell. Lettercard to Alys, but post went 1.30; Selden girl took it. Bus 183 to Golders Green 1.7 and number 2 to Baker Street 7, with sheets to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. 8.15 “Murder Without Motive” and “Olympia”. Slept 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Tuesday 31st May 1955
Dull a.m. Sunny p.m.
Got up 7 a.m. Kitty arrived (with George and luggage) at 9.10. I out to shops with her. Bread, milk, cheese, yoghurt. Kitty had coffee. Talk and lunch. Cold bacon I took. Talk “confession book” till 4. Then I to Northwood. “Dead Circuit”, serial (Robert Eddison), “The Countryside in May”.
Wednesday 1st June 1955
(no weather)
Brett came. Met Mrs Hill, cheese pudding. At 3 to 1 Carew Road, Conservative Association garden party. Mrs Abram‘s house. Crowder M.P. and wife spoke. Talked to Mrs Wickham, and Mrs Newman and Mrs Forster (pretty) from Grove Road. “The Whisper in Gloom”, Nicholas Blake.
Dock strike still on. 20,000 out. 164 ships idle.
Footplatemen (engines) still out.
2nd brood blackbirds hatched 3rd, Friday.
Thursday 2nd June 1955
Fine on whole. Warm.
Mrs Bearcroft. I washed things and met Mrs Hill, who brought fish for baking. Wrote Alys. Took Mrs Hill back at 1.15 and Rex 2/9 “Raising a Riot”, Kenneth More and “Desert Outpost”, Buster Crabbe. In garden weeding. CUC went to Malcolm‘s garage. Lord Samuel spoke of strikes (very good).
Friday 3rd June 1955
Dull, mild.
Wrote James with 20/– Postal Order. Met Mrs Hill, got lamb and carrots. Met Kitty 12.6 (from Bicky!) Lunch and talk. Took her to station about 4.30. Got Lyon’s ice cream at Express. Postcard to Phil. “The Nineth Burma Reunion” – Duke of Edinburgh and Mountbatten. “Any Questions”, Gerald Nabarro (Broadway), Lady Violet Bonham Carter, Jim Callaghan.
Saturday 4th June 1955
Dull a.m. Very fine p.m.
Walked to Boots – Spirits of salt. Cold lamb, watercress and salad. Did weeding for 1 ¼ hours. Began 2nd front of knitted coat. “Appointment at Einion”. “Waters of the Moon”.
Memo:
1st Kit to Bicky, Tuesday for week.
1st Garden party 1 Carew Road – tea, stalls, Mrs Abrams.
3rd Kitty here lunch. Write James.
5th James’ 18th birthday.
2 male blackbirds on shed roof. Distress.
Sunday 5th June 1955
Perfect day 70°F.
Ironed and tidied. Picked flowers and rhubarb and cooked it. Marion Berry at 6.30, bring picture for Eve. Sat on terrace. Stayed supper. 9 p.m. Sir Anthony Eden spoke of gravity of strike.
Monday 6th June 1955 contains language that some may find offensive.
Monday 6th June 1955
Fine, warm.
Kitty phoned 9.15. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned box-room, and took rugs on to lawn. I washed rug and she did part of it. Met Mrs Hill – mince of joint. Cleaned rug again in garden. Painted on pattern, cotton frock. “The Name’s the Same” (lawn mower), “The Nigger of the Narcissus”, from Conrad’s story.
Tuesday 7th June 1955
Fine and showers.
Mrs Bearcroft, bedrooms. Finished painting frock. After lunch, at 3.15 to Bicky. Kitty on bed (sore throat). Out for for milk and eggs. Supper, and early to bed. I in sitting-room. “Dead Circuit”, Robert Eddison.
Wednesday 8th June 1955
Showery. Thunder.
Kitty away at 7.45. Alf got taxi and took bags. She gave him 5/– and me 10/– (phone). At 9.15 I had my breakfast. Until then cleaning up – grill, dustbin! “The Mimosa Man”, 3. To Northwood 4.2, Colliver Fisher up (with laundry). Lettercard to Alys. “The Last Frontier”, Cheyenne Indians, Nebraska to Wyoming.
17th day of dock strike.
Also 5 ships still in Liverpool. Crew strikes.
Railway strikes 2nd week.
Thursday 9th June 1955
Cold. Dull.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 11.45. Phil had been in, and gone! Taxi to Liverpool Street station on chance of seeing him. No! Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Phil came in at 1 (having had lunch). I ate my sausages. He slept on divan. I out to get milk (and georgette). Gave Phil tea at 3.30. He to meet Rigg’s. I home 4.14. BHN up.
Friday 10th June 1955
Cold.
Met Mrs Hill. Got mince. We had cheese pudding for lunch. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions (broke eye-glass flicking moth with coat!) To 11 Chandos Street. Tea at 4.15. General meeting B.A.A. Mrs Vintner read Reginald Taylor Prize paper on French prisoners, Bristol. Home to Northwood by 7.55 train. BHN up. “Any Questions”.
Saturday 11th June 1955
Dullish, cool.
Walked to shops, lettuce and butter. Hot mince and carrots. Slept on bed in p.m. “Potash and Perlmutter”, very good.
Memo:
5th James‘ 18th birthday
8th Kit to Newcastle.
10th B.A.A. Annual General Meeting.
7th Charles and Sybil Embleton to Aldeburgh.
9th Phil back from the Le Lavandou. Opening of Parliament.
11th Elizabeth Hale’s wedding.
Railway strike over, on 17th day.
14th Liner crews still striking.
Dock strike in 4th week.
Sunday 12th June 1955
Dull. Some rain. Cool.
Late breakfast. Little milk! Wrote Kitty and to pillarbox. Lovely salad and cold bacon mince. “Prisoner at the Bar”, Lustgarten on Herbert Dougal. “Bernard Shaw and H. G. Wells”. Alys phoned 7.15. Knitted collar and began sleeve. Finished pink slip. “The Enterprise of England: the story of the Great Armada of 1588”.
Monday 13th June 1955
Dull, then fine and warm.
Mrs Bearcroft (general clean round). Met Mrs Hill, got kippers. Cold sausages and salad, castle puddings. Cleared muddy booties on veranda. Weeded. Knitted. Picked flowers. Alys phoned at 7.15 to say not coming today. Had kippers. “Madame Bovary”.
Tuesday 14th June 1955
Dull, mild.
BHN to get kippers again. Laundry went. Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. After lunch weeded in garden and Alys arrived in JLN from Aldeburgh at about 3. She wrote to Eve, and to post. We rested. Charles Embleton phoned. “Dead Circuit” and “The Good Soldier” from novel Ford Madox Ford, Arthur Hill in it. “The Archaeologist”, Piggott, Ó Ríordáin and case on mining.
Wednesday 15th June 1955
Fine, warm!
I to shops and meet Mrs Hill. Alys to meet Charles and Sybil Embleton 11.3. They to lunch, tea and supper. Photographs shown. Charles took us in garden with his gift camera. We saw them off at 8.58.
Northampton 17th.
Thursday 16th June 1955
Fair and sultry.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions (day ticket, up to 3/10). Got Mrs Kertin to scrub kitchen and bathroom; gave 3/–. After pork pie and lettuce, to Blennerhasset who stopped my tooth. To Lafayette and Bourne & Hollingsworth, Woolworths. Finally to Lewis’ and bought green umbrella 37/9. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Then Webster & Girling for Leicester tickets. Home by 4.48. Kippers. Melville books.
Friday 17th June 1955
Fair.
Alys met Mrs Hill. After lunch Alys and I in JLN at 2. Alys bought hat, Caroline’s. 2.30 off to Northampton. Arrived 5.30. Angel Hotel. Rooms 143 and 15. Rested. Radio in every bathroom! Peter Scott. “Any Questions”. Dance going on opposite till 12.15.
Saturday 18th June 1955
Dull a.m. Fine p.m.
To shop for food, picnic. Left Angel Hotel 11.50. To Overstone School. Eve and Helena Vaisey met us. Lunch in JLN. Sideshows, conjuring, flower pots (bell). Tea. Miss Plumtree. Home via Newport Pagnel and Great Missenden. Supper, Rickmansworth, “Bury” salmon 4/– each
Memo:
14th Laundry.
13th Phil back at work, Alys here?
14th Opening of Parliament by Queen.
16th Blennerhassett 2 p.m.
18th Eve back.
15th Charley and Sybil Embleton lunch.
Blackbirds feeding, 2nd brood.
Big blackbird in back garden feeding 2nd brood too.
Sunday 19th June 1955
Rain, fog, dark.
Looked out oil paints, and to Bicky at 3, before going onto cinema. Alys, Eve and I to cinema, Leicester Square at 4.5 to see “The Dambusters”, Richard Todd as Gibson. Michael Redgrave as Barnes Wallace, inventor. 7/6 seats each.
Monday 20th June 1955
Mild. Dry, dull.
Alys and Eve to 62 Harley Street at 11. I to get joint, and met Mrs Hill. Alys and Eve back at 1.30; lunch and then they to Devonshire‘s for Eve to have 2 teeth stopped (by other dentist). I weeded and cut branches, wisteria. Eve soup (chicken). We ham and chicken and salad. “Poet’s Progress”, play Richard Savage, Gore-Browne.
Tuesday 21st June 1955
Fine. Warm.
Alys and Eve to town; to Alys and Northwood stores with Alys‘ watch and lunch there, snacks. I in BHN High Street for kippers. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining-room. Coal came 1½ tons. Alys and Eve back 4.10. Tea. Mr Netherton called for Eve at 5.35; to go to Overstone. Alys oil in cars. Brigeon cut grass.
Wednesday 22nd June 1955
Fine. Warm.
Alys to meet Mrs Hill, and to get metal piece for Hoover. I put away oil paints. Rissoles and spinach! JLN to Cook’s, and back. Weeded. Alys to Mrs Cattle’s, and I in BHN to get the Hoover bit from High Street. Alys to Dr Baker for ear syringe, and rheumatism and stiffness. He ordered massage and x-ray. Took out wax. Kippers and strawberries and cream (1st strawberries this year).
Anniversary San Francisco, United Nations 18th.
119 Bickenhall Mansions, 23rd.
Back garden blackbird very tame. Chased 1st brood away, feeding 2nd brood.
Thursday 23rd June 1955
Warm.
Alys still coldy. She packed. Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. I mended hoover loop. Alys away about 11.20 in JLN (2 new tyres). I lunch, and then to Bicky. Benerva tablets 12/–, file 1/3, corn caps 1/1½ . Got 4/– on siphon. Phoned Lois and Jack Willis.
Friday 24th June 1955
Warm, sultry.
Took dental plate to Blennerhassett at 10. To Fern’s. Lunch (cream cheese). Turned out old tapes and ribbons in wardrobe drawer. To Northwood for 2. Wrote postcard to Alys. To post. Weeded. Metrological “In All Directions”, “The Goon Show”, Wilmington.
Saturday 25th June 1955
Warm and fine.
BHN to shops, for rose for watering can 2/9 and Abol (ants) and cream. Also had hair trim, Mrs. Wells 2/6 and 6d (luck she was free). Cold mince and salad, cherry plums and cream. Washed 2 vest and 3 pairs of stockings. Planted spring onions out. Alys phoned. Tried on frocks. “The High and the Mighty” “zero 19 to San Francisco from Honolulu” nearly ditched from novel by Ernest Gann.
Memo:
20th 11 a.m. 62 Devonshire.
21st Eve back to school.
23rd Alys to Aldeburgh. I to Bicky. Take dental plate to Blennerhassett.
Sunday 26th June 1955
Very fine and warm.
Defrosted Frigidaire. Washed my hair. Weeded. Fed birds (hungry as too dry for worms). “Pastors and Masters”, Compton-Burnett. Eden spoke on 10th anniversary of “The United Nations”.
Monday 27th June 1955
Warm. Dull after 11.30.
Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ room. Met Mrs Hill. Got bacon. Weeded and cut roses and pinks and sweet peas. Washed gloves p.m. Mended sheet. “The Rat Race”, queer New York play, saxophone player Garson Kanin.
Tuesday 28th June 1955
Fine at first then dull and windy.
Mrs Bearcroft, Eve‘s room. Laundry. Put rugs on cupboard. Took armchair out as moths; cover to wash. Picked roses and sweet peas. Washed 5 pairs of gloves. Alys phoned 7 – coming Friday (Johnson appointment. Peter Coke in “Schweiger”, Franz Werfel.
Wednesday 29th June 1955
Dullish, warm.
BHN battery wouldn’t work. Phoned Cook. Brett here. Planted out the cyclamen. Walked to shops, and met Mrs Hill. Was going to town, but no car. Cook only came at 3 (with CUC battery). “Schweiger”, Franz Werfel.
Tamey disappeared (like last year).
Thursday 30th June 1955
Hot, dullish.
Mrs Bearcroft, dining-rooms and brushed red chair. Put it in hut. I took door off hinges and to Page’s for new glass. Got Growmore and hop manure. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions, lunch. Looked for glass. Photo drawers. Cleaned and washed windowsill. Home by 4.33. BHN up. Wrote Eva to Aden. “Pastors and Masters” again.
Friday 1st July 1955
Dullish.
Took glass to Page. Did up crêpe solid shoes and bath towel and hood and 2 pairs of stockings, and posted to Leicester. Met Mrs Hill, sausages, semolina. Picked roses. Alys arrived by JLN at 2.40. “Any Questions”, “Ma and Pa”, Nina Milkina played variation in F, Mozart (“The Friday Recital”).
Saturday 2nd July 1955
Fine. Perfect.
British Oxygen called and took Phil‘s 2 tubes away. Miss Johnson 10.30 to massage Alys. I to High Street BHN for kippers. To other shops, mince, cherries. Rest in p.m. Listened tennis finals and rowing. In garden. Alys and I listened to “In the Bosom of a Family” by Dorothy Baker, very, very good. Aunt Betsy‘s Birthday”, 9.15 Eden Phillpotts.
Memo:
1st Send off shoes and towel 1.8.
30th Write Eva.
28th Laundry.
2nd Miss Johnson at 10.30 for Alys.
2nd British Oxygen Co. before 12.
Began Benerva, 3 a day June 23rd.
Sunday 3rd July 1955
Dull, dark, some rain.
Dinner a little ironing and planning for packing. To post with letter to Kitty and Alys’ to Phil (someone else offered to take to Post Office). Slept in p.m. Alys too. Tongue and salad. Made sandwiches.
Leicester
Monday 4th July 1955
Fair.
Alys drove me to 10.27 train. Taxi to St Pancras. 11.45 to Leicester. Sandwiches on train. Coach to church, St Mary de Castro, 2.30. Leicester Castle 3.25. The Newarke Houses 4.10, tea there. Trinity Hospital, the Newarke Houses, to Beaumont Hall 6.35. Unpacked and dressed. Dinner 7. At 8 coaches to Lord Mayor‘s Reception, at Museum and Picture Gallery.
Tuesday 5th July 1955
Fair, warm.
Self-service breakfast 8. Coaches 9.15 to the Jewry Wall, Dr Kenyon and St Nicholas Church; then Guildhall and Library. At 12 to St Margaret’s (Willingham). Market Bosworth. Lunch, Central Café. 2.15 Stoke Golding Church, Twycross Church (glass). Picnic tea, Appleby Magna (school) and Moat House. Rock garden after dinner and wrote lettercard to Alys.
Wednesday 6th July 1955
Fine, warm.
Coaches 9.10 to Kirby Muxloe Castle, (water wagtail). Breeden on the Hill Church, St Mary and St Hardulph. Then Iron Age camp on hill, Dr Kenyon. (stained bones). Lunch Ashby-de-la-Zouch Royal Hotel, very good. Castle. Staunton Harold Chapel (Earl Ferrers) and Hall (Group Captain Cheshire). Tea, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Donington le Heath, Manor House farm (smelly). After dinner to Belgrave Hall. Reception by Museum and Libraries Committee. Bath chair, hearses, coaches.
Thursday 7th July 1955
Very warm. Fine.
To Kings Norton Church, then to Lowesby Hall (cairn). Withcote Chapel, 12 Oakham Castle (horseshoes). Lunch, Crown Hotel, shandy; very hot. School Museum. Lyddington Bede House and Church. Noseley Chapel. Tea on grass. Back at 6. Sherry with Jack; Reception by Principal and Senate of University College (Library) and books.
Friday 8th July 1955
Hot.
Ragdale Old Hall. Bottesford Church. Lunch The Harboro Hotel, Melton Mowbray. Lois left hat? Melton Mowbray Church. Stapleford Park (Lord Gretton). Tea there, rush to see Church (great old card!) Gaddesby Church. Packed and did up parcel.
Northwood
Saturday 9th July 1955
Hot.
Ingarsby Old Hall, Quenby Hall, (Nutting), Church Langton – Church. Lunch. The Peacock Hotel, Market Harborough. Stanford-on-Avon – Church. To rugby at 4. and train 4.16 (The Manxman) to Euston. Arrived 5.35. To Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. Alys having massage at 7. I ate bacon and strawberries and cream at 7.
Memo:
4th Alys coming for treatment massage and x-ray.
4th to 9th R.A.I. Summer meeting, Leicester, Beaumont Hall of University College.
Leave St Pancras 11.45, arrive 1.48.
Sunday 10th July 1955
Fine and hot.
Alys wrote lots of letters. I unpacked. Sat on veranda. To pillarbox only.
Monday 11th July 1955
Fine and hot.
To meet Mrs Hill. Miss Johnson at 12 or 5. Deckchairs on veranda. Put hose on. Kitty phoned Alys re. Kath coming.
Tuesday 12th July 1955
Fine and hot, 82°F.
To get olive oil and strawberries and cream. Laundry. Cold mince. Weeded. Put hose on spinach. Miss Johnson at 5. Kit phoned re. Kath.
Wednesday 13th July 1955
Very hot. 81°F or 82°F.
Alys took me to 11.27 in BHN. Out for bread, milk, cream cheese. Lunch of Alys’ mince. Electrician turned radiator off. Rested on bed. At 5 made it for Katharine Buchanan who arrived at 5.45 with a lobster! which we had for supper. To Northwood at 7.30.
Lamey is still feeding 2nd brood chick. Tamey still away.
Thursday 14th July 1955
Very hot. Thunder and hailstorm.
Saw Phil’s snapshots of Le Lavandou. To High Street and to meet Mrs Hill. Alys had massage 11. Wrote Kitty. Scrambled eggs and strawberries and cream. Took Alys to Moor Park for 1.30 (she to Woodbridge where JLN is). Bad thunderstorm and hail 4 p.m. (havoc at Ascot). To bed early.
Friday 15th July 1955
Very hot and fine. North wind.
Found tyre punctured. So walked to shops. Mrs Bearcroft here. Sat under the cherry tree on deckchair. Cook’s boy came and took wheel away. Weeded and cleared up front garden beds. Hermione Gingold (“Grande Gingold”).
Saturday 16th July 1955
Very hot. 82°F.
Washed clothes. Cook’s boy came at 11 and put wheel back (new inner tube). Phoned Ernest Blaikley. To shops; greengages, beetroot, ice cream, cream. Sat under the prunus tree, near hose on beds. Birds enjoying it. Katharine phoned. “Mr Sampson’s Sundays”. Went to sleep.
Memo:
12th Laundry.
13th Kath at 6.20 to Bicky.
14th Alys back to Aldeburgh, massage 11.
16th Kath leaves Bicky.
18th Four Power Talks at Geneva began.
18th Found Tamey dead (under the kitchen window).
19th Tamey reappeared! Corpse was a young bird, found beak.
20th and 21st 119 Bickenhall Mansions
Sunday 17th July 1955
Hotter than ever.
Ironed in kitchen. Bacon and salad, ice cream, coffee. Sat on deck in hall, near front door – coolest place. Read and slept there 3 – 5. Began “Thunderhead”. Gardened, after 6 as cooler. “The Guests”, Leonid Zorin, good, Soviet ‘50.
Monday 18th July 1955
Cooler, fair.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room. I met Mrs Hill, sausages and green peas. To Rex at 2, “The Vanishing Prairie” and Richard Hearne in ‘The Time of his Life”, very funny. Did soused herrings. Found wings and tail of a blackbird – Tamey?? (Buried remains). Read papers.
Tuesday 19th July 1955
Cooler, windy.
Defrosted Frigidaire. Brigeon cut lawns. I did a lot of weeding, hoeing and tying up. Soused herrings. Sent letter to Times (on stock) and competition to Sunday Express. Tamey came back! Sausage, salad and junket and cream.
Wednesday 20th July 1955
Fair.
Brett came 9.30 (15/–). Met Mrs Hill, liver and peas. All birds came. To Bicky at 3. Wrote “day I remember best” to send into “Woman’s Hour”. To Selfridge’s for “parasan” bag 2/– and net bags 4.11 and 5.11. Paid bill.
23rd Eisenhower back to U.S.A.
Eden home. Bulganin to Berlin en route Moscow.
Thursday 21st July 1955
Fine.
Out 8.45 for milk, and posted Reader’s Digest to Teddy. 9.30 at Chandos Street. Coach with B.A.A. to St Albans, new diggings at Verulamium (Frere). Lunch at Bedford Arms, Woburn. “Tonny” Tonochy and couple. Lois. Woburn Abbey; with 1000’s of sightseers. Tea there. Remnant and daughter, Mary. Baker Street at 7.15. Supper.
Friday 22nd July 1955
Very hot and fine. Hot night.
Back at 11 to Northwood. Got bacon, and walked up. Mrs Bearcroft there. Mrs Hill at 11.30, bringing loin of lamb and peas. Took her back to Northwood Hills at 3, and got things (new greengrocer) there. Watered garden. Wrote Alys.
Saturday 23rd July 1955
Very hot p.m. 83°F.
To shops for cream and butter and fruit, BHN. Opened hut, and turned it. Finished “Thunderhead” in hut. Washed green frock. “The Constant Nymph”, York Repertory.
Memo:
21st B.A.A. Woburn Abbey, Verulamium.
Sunday 24th July 1955
Dull and cool till 4.45 then sunny.
Ironed green cotton frock. Dusted, sewed, screwed hinges of cupboard on little bookcase for Eve. Barbara at 4. Tea; then sunshine, so sat on veranda. Knitted. Sherry, supper – bacon, lettuce, peas, tomatoes and potatoes; junket and strawberries and cream from garden – Barbara and I picked. Grimble, “Further Tales From the Pacific Islands” and talk on historical novel, “Literary Opinion”.
Monday 25th July 1955
Fine.
Lettercard from Alys – coming Tuesday and James. Mrs Bearcroft, my room. Met Mrs Hill, cheese pudding, plums. Mrs Hinds Howell in re. hotels. Did a lot of gardening, among strawberries. Sewed soles on Poz’s moccasins. “Our Doubts Are Traitors”.
Tuesday 26th July 1955
Fine. Dull a.m.
Mrs Bearcroft, window-cleaner. BHN to shops. Weeded rose bed. Stewed plums, and made junket. “Critics” while sewing cushions. Alys and James arrived about 6 (James met her at Liverpool Street station). In hut. James unpacked his amplifier, and showed us. Sausages, salad, cold potatoes. Plums, junket, cream.
Wednesday 27th July 1955
Perfect day.
James at 9.50 to meet Eve at Euston 11.15. BHN wouldn’t start. Put it on charge; walked to shops. Colliver Fisher with Mrs Hill back. James and Eve to Odeon, “Doctor at Sea” and back 5.15. Alys and I on veranda. Tea (James and Eve eggs has no lunch). Fishcakes, salad.
30th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 28th July 1955
Fine, warm.
Alys to shops and meet Mrs Hill. I later to Jones’ for kippers. Liver and onions, blackcurrants, Nestlé’s milk. Alys and James to tailor with evening suit (Phil’s) to be altered. Eve oil painting in hut with me teaching about palette. Roses. Eve teaching James dancing.
Friday 29th July 1955
Fair. Cooler.
Took Alys and Eve to station 10.44, shopped and met Mrs Hill. Large leg of lamb 5lb so lunch late. James’ trunk came. Took Mrs Hill to Northwood Hills; James took two suits to Davis! Old records on James’ amplifier. Alys and Eve back at 5.15. “A Conversation”, foreigners on England and English. Telegram from Eva – “arriving 4.20”.
Saturday 30th July 1955
Fine. Warm.
Eve and I to shops (and Bank). Long queues. Got my room ready for Eve. Alys cooked sausages for lunch. At 3.20 Hazel car. All to Euston to meet Eva from Liverpool (Devonshire) troop train. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 5, getting milk en route. “The Visitor”, son returns – was he the real one?
Memo:
24th Barbara tea and supper.
25th James, back 26th and Alys.
27th Eve back.
29th Kitty (birthday).
29th Eve to dentist, Harley Street.
30th Eva arrives at Liverpool on Devonshire or 31st. I to Bicky 30th.
119 Bickenhall Mansions – 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
Sunday 31st July 1955
Fine and warm.
Out for Observer and Radio Times. Washed clothes. Baked beans, gooseberries. “Critics”. Wrote Kitty for birthday. Tunny fish, tomatoes. “Ardele”, Anouilh 6.30.
Monday 1st August 1955
Fine. 79°F.
Washed windowsills. 3.32 train to Northwood. Alys met me in BHN. Tea and sat in garden with Eva. Back by 7.12. Alys took me. “Dr Wortle’s School”.
Tuesday 2nd August 1955
Hot. Fine.
To Bruce Green, 19/6 for frame to spectacles. To Dryad’s 10/1½ , Eve’s felt. To Palace Theatre (ticket). Barnard’s with ring. Home. Lunch. Rest. Out for milk, butter. Supper 6.15. To Palace Theatre, “Much Ado About Nothing”, John Gielgud, Peggy Ashcroft. Home 10.30. Anouilh reading “Ardele” (“Jean Anouilh reads his play Ardele”).
Wednesday 3rd August 1955
Dull, warm.
Mended black waterproof. Met Alys (James) at Baker Street at 12.43 and saw Alys off at Liverpool Street station at 1.30. Back to lunch and rest. To Selfridge’s and Boots (Library), Sainsbury’s. Sent spectacles box to James for Alys’ glasses. “Vive L’Oompa!”, “Scrapbook for 1914”.
4th BHN on charge 5 – 12 o’clock.
Thursday 4th August 1955
Fine, warm.
To Derbin’s with Jewel radio. Two new batteries 13/1. To Everyman Cinema, “The Conquest of Everest” and “100 years of Crystal Palace” 2/8, 2 p.m. till 4. Washed little front door doormat. Cleaned bedroom and bathroom.
Friday 5th August 1955
Perfect.
10.20 to Northwood. Eva and Eve met me in CUC. To 12 Grove Road then I in BHN (James started with handle) to meet Mrs Hill. Eva and Eve in CUC to have red rear lights on. James and Eve to Rex by bus, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”. Eva and I rests on beds. James mending trafficator and horn in CUC. Mah-jong in evening. I did dried mint.
Saturday 6th August 1955
Fine.
Eva and Eve to shops in CUC. Washing machine. James to Cook’s; tyre changed (rear spare). Eva cooked mince. James and Eve cleaned CUC and painted. Eva ironed heaps of washing. Tea on veranda. Gardened. Kippers. “The Little Pitcher”, Polly, fraudulent antique dealer.
Memo:
3rd Alys back to Aldeburgh.
31st Wrote Kit.
4th Kitty leaves Waverley Hydro, Melrose.
4th “Conquest of Everest”, Everyman Cinema 2 p.m.
Mrs Bearcroft, holiday week.
119 Bickenhall Mansions – 9th and 10th.
Sunday 7th August 1955
Fine, cool.
James and I in CUC, roundabout for practice at 6 o’clock. Eva washing and ironing. James and Eve cleaned CUC. I gardened – compost soil in front garden. Wrote lettercard to Alys
saying would go Robinson‘s on August 29th. Planted out Elsa’s agrostemma coronaria in front garden. Gavin de Beer on Hannibal‘s Crossing of Alps – “Alps and Elephants”.
Monday 8th August 1955
Fine, cooler.
I to shops and to meet Mrs Hill – chops and French beans, apples. Berry’s packing. Tinned ham (Danish) for supper (sandwiches). Helped Eva with Eve’s skirt hem. One of Eva‘s crates arrived! “The Long Sunset”, Sheriff (Romans and Arthur).
Tuesday 9th August 1955
Dull.
Berry’s off 10.15 in CUC. Mrs Bearcroft and I did laundry. Lunch. BHN to Bank. At 3.28 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rest. Slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. “Fridtjof Nansen”.
Wednesday 10th August 1955
Fair. Showery.
Got milk; then to Victoria station. Lois and Laurie. 10.25 to Hayward’s Heath 12/. 11.20 bus to Cuckfield. Ockenden Manor – around; lunch. In church (Burrell). Tea, photos. 5.14 back to Victoria station. 119 Bickenhall mansions 6.35. Slept.
Thursday 11th August 1955
Fair, showers.
Saw Mr Briggs re.decoration. Foreman up about estimate and kitchen ceiling. 11.36 to Northwood. Mrs Hill, cooked sausages. In BHN to Rex, “Strategic Air Command”, James Stewart and “Assignment Children” with Danny Kaye U.N.I.C.E.F. 2/9. Weeded. Tom Driburg and Christopher Hollis – “The Point of Parliament”.
Friday 12th August 1955
Fine, hot.
Met Mrs Hill with BHN. Wrote Laurie. Picked sweet peas for Mrs Hill. Tidied sitting-room a bit. Slept on bed. Ardele, Anouilh (2nd time I heard it).
Saturday 13th August 1955
Rain p.m.
To High Street in BHN. To Cook who said “gasket”; he took me to Carey‘s, and I walked home; Cook took BHN till Monday. Finished knitted coat. 6.15 – 7.40, Anouilh read Ardele. “A Queen from Kendal”, Graham Sutton (Kateryn Parr).
Memo:
10th Laurie – Victoria 10.25 Haywards Heath/
(James’ suit is ready).
9th Berry’s to Aldeburgh.
I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
12th Ardele, Anouilh on the 3rd Programme.
Riots by Irish Rep A (IRA) in Berkshire and Rhyl (Rhyl was hoax!)
119 Bickenhall Mansions 17th.
Sunday 14th August 1955
Dull a.m. Fair, warm later.
Wrote Kitty long letter, and Alys (enclosing Lucy‘s with good news of Doris Freer). Lettercard to Mrs Hill. Cold mince and cabbage salad. Gardened. Brigadier Toosey (Burma railway) “Army in Exile”, Lord Ismay on “Responsibility”. “The Persian War”, Leonidas, Thermopylae.
Monday 15th August 1955
Fine and hot.
Mrs Bearcroft, cleaning Alys’ (Eva’s) room. BHN at Cook so didn’t meet Mrs Hill. Wrote postcard to BBC on Anouilh. Gardened – compost after 5. Too hot earlier. 5th Test Match South Africa. Mountbatton and Slim spoke 10 years after Tokyo V.J. Day – “Tokyo Bay and After: Ten Historic Years”. “The Lady of the Camellias”.
Tuesday 16th August 1955
Fine, hot. 80°F.
Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. I did up Eva‘s ball dress and Mrs Bearcroft took it on cycle to post; also lettercard to Barbara. I took Alys’ wheel basket to shops for bread and ice cream. Rest on bed. Brigeon cut lawns. A little gardening at 8.30! Admiral Strauss spoke re. Science Conference. BHN back in evening. Glyn Daniel, “The Archaeologist – The Vikings”.
Wednesday 17th August 1955
Fine and hot.
Brett came. Met Mrs Hill, BHN. She did boiled bacon and peas. To town 1.57 (but 20 minutes late). To get ticket for Saxmundham and reserve seat. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Listened England beat South Africa in 5th Test, “Kanchenjunga (1955)”, Evans and others. “The Great Cham”, Samuel Johnson.
Thursday 18th August 1955
Hot. Dull.
Plumber did washer. I to Barnard’s for ring, but not ready. Only 19 bus to Chelsea. Called on Susie Zileri, Louise (Violet Ormond’s Swiss maid there). To Lyons Marble Arch self-service lunch at 1 – 2, 1/7. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions and then 2.35 to Northwood. Walked up. Read Times. Postcard from Lois from York. “The War in Burma”, reminiscences of Burma war, 10th anniversary V.J. Day.
Friday 19th August 1955
Hot. Fine.
Met Mrs Hill. Didn’t do much. Tired, and it was very muggy. A little gardening (bonemeal) after 5.30. Mrs Bearcroft p.m. “Not That I Would Boast, Max Beerbohm, Robert Eddison. “How to Lead a Really Full Life, Joyce Grenfell, Stephen Potter.
Saturday 20th August 1955
Hot. 85°F London.
To Jones’ (kippers). “A Family Man”, Laurence Kirk (sleepers on train, and man with 3 wives), good. Sewed Elsa’s frock. Cut briars away. “The Leader of the House”, Nigel Balchin, Wilfrid Hyde Whitein “irreverent comedy”.
90°F in Dublin on 23rd.
23rd Jet flew to New York and back.
Sunday 21st August 1955
Hot. 85°F.
Wrote lettercard to Alys and to post 12. Sewed Elsa’s frock. Defrosted Fridge after supper, 8. “The Battle for Democracy – The Persian War”, Satamis. “Further Tales from the Pacific Islands”, Grimble, toothache.
Monday 22nd August 1955
Hot, 88°F London.
Shopping. Cook’s (tyre). Met Mrs Hill. Hinds Howell’s called re. accident. Scrambled egg and runner beans. Mended hose joint. Ironed dress stuffs. Postcode to Barbara. “The Last of the Mohicans” and “The Forger”. Sat in hall as too hot in rooms.
Tuesday 23rd August 1955
Hot (not sunny). 88°F.
Mrs Bearcroft did hut, and helped with awning. Her cycle chain broke, and BHN wouldn’t start. Put BHN on charge and walked to Baldwin’s, Picton (trim). Colliver Fisher home. Sewed pockets. Rest on bed. “Queen Victoria Visits Paris”. “Doctor at Sea”.
Wednesday 24th August 1955
Hot, 85°F.
Letter from Eva. Got strap for James‘ trunk handle. Met Mrs Hill. Got beer 1/8, 6. Sausages and Mrs Hill’s beans. 1.57 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rest. Bus to Selfridge’s, lace elastics. Walked back at 4.30, getting yoghurt. Defrosted Fridge. Washed hair after supper. “The Investigator”, Reuben Ship, Investigator John Drainie, Canadian.
Thursday 25th August 1955
Very hot and fine breeze.
Washed bath-wrap. Saw Mr Briggs re. 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Before 11 back to Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. Mrs Bearcroft. Barbara at about 3. Sherry in hut. I on bed. Tea and garden. Picked roses, sweet peas and apples for Barbara to take. Cold bacon, mixed salad, plum and apple and cream.
Friday 26th August 1955
Fine and hot then dull and cooler.
Did up bath-wrap and shoes and posted to Aldeburgh 1/8. Mrs Hill. Got “Renascence” for 15/6. Steak and kidney. Took Mrs Hill to Northwood Hills; and went to Bank. Rest. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Lettercard to Alys. Sewed pockets on Elsa’s frock. Put lavender cuttings and laburnum in. “The Plain Dealer”, Wycherley.
Saturday 27th August 1955
Warm, fair and fine.
BHN Cook’s and Len took it out (with me) and put the “mixture” right. “The Avalanche”, went to sleep on bed. In garden. Machined pillow-slips, pocket in blue spotted dress. “Mrs Columbus”, test pilot‘s wife.
Memo:
23rd Baldwin’s (Picton) 12.30, now 2/6 + 6d.
25th Barbara 2 – 9.
Sunday 28th August 1955
Dull.
Washed things. Sewed, machined elastic lace. Finished “Troy Chimneys”. “The Last People”, Inuk, Roger Buliard. “Lord of the Flies”, dreadful play, schoolboys on island – William Golding’s book.
Aldeburgh
Monday 29th August 1955
Dull. Mild.
Packed. Mrs Bearcroft came. Mrs Hill brought liver. Lunch 12.45. Picked roses. Colliver Fisher at 1.45. Train 1.57 to Baker Street. 3.33 from Liverpool Street station, arrived Saxmundham 5.45. Phil (to my surprise) met. Renault Frégate. To Mrs Robinson’s, 31 Crag Park. Alys and Eva came. Supper 6.45. To Alys’. With Phil, Eva, Eve and James to fireworks. I back at 10. They on to Fair.
Tuesday 30th August 1955
Perfect.
Took torch to Knowles’. Got nylon wool at Homeworkers. To 5 The Rest. Phil at breakfast. With Alys and JLN to quay. Phil in Ren. Watched race – swordfishes (James in 100’s) from Yacht Club. Phil and Lady Eddis judging. Met Mrs and Mrs Carver. Lunch at 31 Crag Path. Rest. To 5 The Rest, and with Alys to call on Cave’s. Out. To Mrs Galsworthy’s.
Wednesday 31st August 1955
Perfect.
Walked along to 5 The Rest. With Phil in Frégate to Yacht Club. Alys in JLN. James in 100 racing. Gwen and Will and Jean and 3 children (Eve and Margaret bathed). Eva came. In Gwen‘s car to my lunch. Rest till 3.30. To tea at Gwen‘s new home, 1 Alde House. To 5 The Rest. Phil and Eve and Wiz and “Polo girl” in Whim out very late.
Pat Rushworth with Gordon Walker in 61.
Eve and Margaret Hadow, tea picnic.
Thursday 1st September 1955
Fine. Shower p.m.
Got paper and to 5 The Rest. Bisselled sitting-room. With Alys in JLN to shops, and Bank (Clayton). Called for Mrs Galsworthy. Took her to Yacht Club. Race. (Mrs Dove’s residence). Alys lunch with Mrs Galsworthy. Rest p.m. Bus to station for Reader’s Digest. To 4’s. Phil out with Wiz in Whim. James in from race. Eva cooked meal for him. Walked home.
Friday 2nd September 1955
Very warm. Windy on river.
Walked along to 5 The Rest. Alys out to shop. Phil got dressed. Marion Berry came. Eva and Eve and James back to 31 Crag Path. Phil and Eve brought radio (Ella‘s). Postcard to Lois at Post Office. Lunch. Alys in JLN at 1.30 to Yacht Club. Race off; too windy. Rest. To 5 The Rest. Phil and Alys (Phil been out in Whim). Berry’s took Marion on picnic. Margaret Hadow in.
Saturday 3rd September 1955
Fine. Warm.
Got bread and took to Alys 9.45. To Slaughden with her in JLN and watched race 10.30 – 12.50. James in 100 never came back (to sleep!) Mollie and Will took me to 31 Crag Path (and 5 The Rest on way) at 1. Eva took me in CUC at 2 and we met Alys coming back. Dick and Phil had gone in motorboat to search. Rest. To post parcel home at 5.30. To Alys’. Phil, Eve and Dick in Whim. Back in CUC at 7.
Memo:
29th To Mrs Robinson‘s, Liverpool Street station 3.33.
3rd Eva and Eve back from Aldeburgh and James?
3rd Vikings, Glyn Daniel – “The Archaeologist”.
7.7.0 the week.
Sunday 4th September 1955
Perfect. Hot.
To Alys’; back to change as hot. Phil and James in Whim, Butley Hard. Back in CUC to dinner. At 2.45, Alys and Eva, Eve and John (Holme’s grandson) came and all to polo ground. Bicycle and water polo and comic (real team on cycles!) Battle of Britton 15 years ago. Polo, lovely. Home 7.30. Mrs Robinson and Aldred’s on seat. “Mycenae’s Second Glory”.
Northwood
Monday 5th September 1955
Showers p.m. Fine evening.
Packed wicker suitcase. Along to 5 The Rest. Everyone there, packing Phil’s suitcase to come on my ticket “luggage in advance”. I had lunch at 12 at 31 Crag Path. Phil and James in Frégate took to station. 12.50 to Liverpool Street station 4 arrival. Arrived Northwood 5.5, Colliver Fisher up. In garden. Supper 6.30. “The Last of the Mohicans”.
Tuesday 6th September 1955
Warm, fine.
Mrs Bearcroft, laundry (didn’t send any). BHN to shops and Boots. Posted Eva‘s registered parcel on. Sausages and frozen peas and plums. Garden. Wrote Alys Nellie. To post, and then to inquire Hinds-Howell’s. Garden. Doris phoned. “The Bismarck Saga”, “A World of Children”, Montessori, “Classic of the Month – St Leger Stakes”.
Wednesday 7th September 1955
Warm, fine.
Brett came. BHN to station with sheets. Cloakroom 6d. Got thin Bath Olivers 8/6 (10/- but tin back), Hudson‘s plug 3/-. Lunch 12.30. Walked to get 1.35 train to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To see Briggs and Lay. To Harrods. Book Sale not ready. Hot hamburger supper. “Presentation of a Portrait”, Churchill as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports spoke.
Thursday 8th September 1955
Fine. Warm.
Phoned Mrs Bearcroft. Bus to Fern’s. Got 1lb coffee and chicory 5.4, 1lb household coffee 6.2. Lunch 12.30. Mrs Bearcroft came and cleaned from 12.30 –2.30. Gave her 3.6 and her money for 12 Grove Road. Got beds ready for Freer‘s. 4.45 to Northwood. In garden till 6.45, weeds. Bertrand Russell “Then and Now”, and Llewellyn Woodward, “Democracy and Diplomacy Today”.
Friday 9th September 1955
Fine. Thunder p.m.
BHN to Cook’s for battery, tyre valve and oil. Shops – fruit, bread, vegetables, cream, eggs, butter, bacon, cheese. Washed clothes. Stewed plums. Sausages. Mrs. Bearcroft helped with beds. Posted letter to Alys, postcards to Nellie and Harrods, lettercard to Doris. |The Deep Blue Sea”, Kenneth More. “Grande Gingold”, Hermione Gingold.
Saturday 10th September 1955
Fine.
BHN to get bread, jelly veal. Home and found joint (shoulder) had come. To meet Mrs Bearcroft, who brought spinach. Took her roses. Hot bottles in beds all day, made Eve’s. At about 7 (or 10 to), Eva, James and Eve arrived. They left Aldeburgh in CUC after lunch. Crate opened. Supper. All early 8.45 to bed. “Fair Passenger”, Aimee Stuart.
Memo:
5th Back to Northwood.
Mrs Hill 4th to 10th.
Berry’s back 10th.
Freer‘s 19 Bickenhall Mansions 11th, Sunday.
6th Laundry.
Sunday 11th September 1955
Dull, some rain.
In garden, compost. Eva and Eve got dinner, shoulder of lamb, spinach (Mrs Bearcroft’s). Eve patchwork, Eva doing James clothes for school. I mended some. Eva and Eve to post. Did a little towards packing. “The Shaking Earth”, Turkish earthquake.
Broadway
Monday 12th September 1955
Fine and showers.
Packed. Eva, James and Eve and I in CUC to station 10.35. Train explosion? Long wait. Arrived Baker Street 12. Ticket Webster’s 29/–. Bus to Paddington station. Sat in waiting room. Sausage rolls on platform. 1.45 to Moreton-in-Marsh. Arrived for 1. Nellie Moir in car. To 153 High Street (1600 A.D.). Tea. Rest. Supper about 7. Fresh haddock (frozen) with sauce over and baked, French beans.
Tuesday 13th September 1955
Sun and thunder showers. Hail.
My 76th birthday. Wrote Alys. Walked down village with Nellie. Called on Durrant‘s. Cold cutlets and beans, plums, cream, sponge cake (Lyons). Rest. Mrs. Carey Gilson to tea (Marianne) in new Anglia. Radionic therapy box, Oxford. Absent treatment. Baked eggs (oven), baked apple. Crossword.
Wednesday 14th September 1955
Fine. Cold.
Walked to Fairview, Durrant’s on way. Lunch 1. Mrs Clark to clean. Rest (Nellie to Library). Tea. At 5.15 Joan Fleming in 1936 Rolls-Royce took us up to Postlip Hall. Jackdaw. (Heard of Sambo Heanley, 3 years art student, M.D. child). (Joan Fleming is sister of Helena Vaisey’s mother). Gorilla cage at Postlip Hall. Captain Mitchell killed in drive on Christmas Day M.F.H. Wife suicide (this is not true).
Thursday 15th September 1955
Fine. Cold.
Wrote Kitty. Read Times. At 12.20 down village and to Broadway Hotel (met Dorothy de Navarro and Gertrude Caton Woodville and Michael). Lunch 7/– each, 2/– tip. I paid. In de Navarro garden (Clerodendrum). Rest. Tea. In garden. Crossword (but 1 word). Spaghetti, small plums, cream. “Twenty Questions”.
Northwood
Friday 16th September 1955
Dull. Showers. Mild.
Packed. Lunch 11.45. Car at 12.25. Nellie and I to Moreton-on-Marsh, 1.6 to Paddington station. Taxi to 119 Bickenhall Mansions, 3/– to Nellie and she on to 34 Cavendish Square (Club). I called on Doris and Sylvia Freer at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Tea. Sylvia saw me to Baker Street 4.35. To Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. Eva and Eve (James to Sherborne). Police to see Eva re. car (Bishop’s Stortford). Supper.
Saturday 17th September 1955
Fine, warm.
Eva and Eve to shops in CUC. In BHN to change Bath Olivers tin. 10/9 Postal Order for Harrods! Eva made shepherds pie with mince, cabbage. Plums. Did potting Nellie‘s things. Rest. Casanova play, “Butterfly in a Cage”. Pork pie, tomatoes. Eve sent chain-letter savings stamps. Read Sagan, “Bonjour Tristesse”.
Memo:
16th James to Sherborne.
12th To Nellie Moir till 16th.
Paddington Station 1.45, arrive Moreton-in-Marsh 4.41.
11th Freers to 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
16th To Northwood 1.6 from Moreton-in-Marsh.
Sunday 18th September 1955
Fine, mild.
Cleared up in garden a good deal. Wrote Nellie and Alys. Eva did mending and packing, also Eve. Eva cooked round of beef and vegetables. Garden p.m., cut gorse. Rest 4 – 6. Scrambled eggs. “Malta, the Golden Island”.
Monday 19th September 1955
Fine, warm.
Eve sick at 2 a.m. Mrs Bearcroft came. I met Mrs Hill in BHN. Eva and Eve took Eve’s trunk to station in CUC. In garden. Neck of mutton, mousses. Eva and Eve to Ricky and drove to Chalfont; “Doctor at Sea”. Freya Stark “The Distant Scene – Measles in the Harem”, “Heartbreak House”, very long 8 – 11 except News.
Tuesday 20th September 1955
Fine and warm.
Eve for hair appointment – Bond at Baldwin‘s. I dug up plants with fork. Laundry. Eva met Mrs Hill. Croquettes at Elizabeth’s, filled with mince. Eva and Eve out in CUC, tea on veranda and Mahjong. Darned. Eva wrote insurance (CUC) form.
Wednesday 21st September 1955
Fair, warm.
Brett came. Bonfire and potting. Eva and Eve in CUC to station and town. I BHN 1.27. To Euston with Eve‘s keys. She to Overstone 3 p.m. I to Bruce Green (walked from Euston). To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Eva there, Nescafé (saw Briggs (Lay out) re. painting 119 Bickenhall Mansions). 4.32 home. Mince, beans, potatoes. “Rousseau in England”.
24th Eisenhower heart attack.
Thursday 22nd September 1955
Muggy, damp.
Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room. Eva in CUC to Malcolm. I met Mrs Hill. Bank, sausages. Rest all p.m. Wrote Doris and Nellie. Eva back at 6. Kipper, supper. “The Man Who Stole Children”, Jules Supervielle, adaptation by Dorothy Baker.
Friday 23rd September 1955
Wet early. Fine later.
Eva ironing and doing accounts. In BHN to buy beef, bacon, bread and met Mrs Hill. Mrs Bearcroft p.m., kitchen. Rest all p.m. and felt cold beginning. Took rhinitis and number 10. Told Eva (veranda) at 6. Went to bed to be out of Eva‘s way. She brought up bacon at 7.30. “Any Questions?”, Lady Barnett. “The Travellers”, Mountain stoves, Hunt, Hillary, Lowe, Chapman. “The Hippolytus”, Euripides”.
Saturday 24th September 1955
Fine.
Down to breakfast in dressing-gown after Eva finished. In bed all day. Eva brought up mince and plums, and bacon in evening. “Put Out More Flags”, Evelyn Waugh, evacuee story.
Memo:
Mrs Hill – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (only 2 days last week).
20th Laundry. Paid Mrs Hill £1 for her holiday week.
21st Eve back to Overstone.
Eisenhower going on well.
Sunday 25th September 1955
Perfect.
Breakfast downstairs after Eva; dressing-gown. In bed all day, except out in dressing-gown to pick up apples (windfalls). Knitted Phil’s socks. Eva‘s new Vogue. “Saint-Loup”, Proust (Pamela Hansford Johnson), Robert Eddison.
Monday 26th September 1955
Fine.
Again stayed in bed all day (except breakfast). Still heavy cold. Eva met Mrs Hill in BHN. Malcolm phoned, CUC starter very bad, and not ready yet. “Antic Hay”, Aldous Huxley, Robert Eddison.
Tuesday 27th September 1955
Fine.
Wrote Phil for his 42nd birthday. Brigeon cut grass. In bed all day (except breakfast). Mince, tongue. “Round Trip – Malta”, airmen and Italians.
Wednesday 28th September 1955
Fine, cooler.
In bed all day except breakfast. Still very heavy cold and some cough. Eva met Mrs Hill in BHN – chops. Brett and Eva picked apples, but most were pecked. “Suspense”, Peter Henn, German fighter pilot in Italy.
Thursday 29th September 1955
Fine, mild.
Water heater over sink burnt out and fused. Phoned Hawkins (Fridge fused). Eva sent a few apples to James and Eve. I dressed and lunch with Eva (cold meats) and apple sauce. Eva to town with Eve’s watch and to get CUC from Malcolm‘s garage. I in garden a bit. Eva back about 6. Sherry, scrambled eggs. Alistair Cooke on Dr Kraus-Weber Physical Fitness Report.
Friday 30th September 1955
Dullish, very mild.
Eva met Mrs Hill in CUC. Pork joint. (still a horrid smell from heater). Mrs Bearcroft, p.m. (Eva gave her old clothes). I began chair caning. Rest p.m. “Any Questions?”, “The Travellers”, Agla Marra, Subansiri River – Colonel Betts, Haimendorf, Kingdon-Ward.
Saturday 1st October 1955
(no weather)
Eva to get eggs early. Both to Bicky (BHN at Eastbury Road). Tidied room ready for workmen. Bookcase emptied and washed. Left key with Frank. Back 3.30. Rest. Phil phoned.
Memo:
Dr Baker, ears October 3rd.
Must prepare 119 Bickenhall Mansions this week for decorators.
5th Cozy stove lit first time since summer.
Sunday 2nd October 1955
Dull, mild, sunny 1 – 2.
Clean laundry and made Phil’s bed and airing blanket. Eva altered furniture in “Eve‘s” room and put things in loft. Cold pork and carrots (tinned), ice cream. Rest and at 3 “The Golden Bowl” from Henry James‘ story. Peter Wyngarde, Prince. Gilbert Murray “Memories of the Peace Movement”.
Monday 3rd October 1955
Dull, drizzly.
Eva (and I) busy with clean sheets airing Eva‘s bed and changing her furniture. She to meet Mrs Hill. Overend’s electrician at 10 for Phil’s switch. I (BHN) to Cook’s, tyre leak? 3 gallons of petrol 13/3½. At 5 or so Alys and Phil arrived in Renault. Phil had tea. Talk. Shepherds pie. Phil talked of Uloth and Mrs Haig – raspberry maggots.
Tuesday 4th October 1955
Very fine.
Phil (Renault) to hospital, Ducane Road, to enroll for course (membership R.C.P.). Eva and Alys to shops. Mrs Bearcroft here. Laundry. Phil back 1.15, sausages. He later (after garden) to bed. Depressed. I long rest on bed. Eva and Alys cooked fish with egg sauce. Diaries ’30 – ‘31. Window cleaner.
Wednesday 5th October 1955
Dullish after fine rain later.
Brett and I picked apples. Phil off to town about 9.15. Eva and Alys to shops in CUC and Mrs Hill. Hot beef I rested all p.m. “The Unbroken Thread”, “Woman’s Hour – The Nancy Spain Way”, Rebecca West. Phil in nearly 7. Mackerel. “Suspense”, David James, escape story. “Horse of the Year Show, 1955: The Fred Foster Memorial Cup”.
Thursday 6th October 1955
Gales, showers.
Alys and Eva got breakfast, 7.45 for Phil. I later. Phil off at 8. Eva ironed. Did some chair-caning. Alys to shops in CUC alone. Mrs Bearcroft. I picked apples (behind sweet Williams) and Eva sent boxes to James and Eve. I put Bath Olivers in oven. Eva, tea with Marion. Phil back about 5.30. Alys resting. Liver and bacon, melon. Phil worked with Cozy stove in sitting room 6 – 7. “Horse of the Year Show – Showjumping”.
Friday 7th October 1955
Dull.
Eva with Phil in Frégate to town at 8 a.m. Mrs Bearcroft, a.m. to do stoves. With Alys in CUC to High Street. Got 2 batteries for Sissie‘s set 11/3. Alys to meet Mrs Hill, cold beef. Did chair and rested. Eva home 5.30. Phil at 6. He worked in sitting-room. Rump steak.
Saturday 8th October 1955
Dull, except after sunny intervals. Very mild.
Eva to shops twice. Phil at 9 to Queen Square and back 1.15. I did Cozy stoves. Alys made chocolate (Bruxelles) and apple purée and kedgeree. Hot beef and beans. All out in Renault to Tring, Ivinghoe through Little Gaddesdon. Eva and Phil walked. Tea. I slept on bed. Kedgeree.
Memo:
3rd Painters started at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Laundry.
4th Letter from Diana (Freer), holiday – wrote to her.
8th Kitty to George’s.
119 Bickenhall Mansions – 10th, 11th, 12th.
Sunday 9th October 1955
Fine and warm. Cozy only at 4.45.
I got up 8.40 and made coffee. Alys phoned Kitty at George’s. I did Cozy stove, flowers and picked apples I could reach off Bramley. Rest. Phil at lathe a bit, and up late (with Eva to post at 2.30). I slept 4 – 5. Tea, talk. Bacon and sausage. All to bed about 9.30.
Monday 10th October 1955
Fair.
Alys with Phil to town at 8 (Eva starting a cold). Mrs Bearcroft did my room. In CUC to station; forgot bag and back from Northwood Hills. Met Mrs Hill there. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions – painters still there! Lunch in bedroom. Rowed foreman. Alys (lunched with Kitty at Heals) in; saw her off. Got butter, hamburgers. Hill (carpenter) put up mirror. Made my bed.
Tuesday 11th October 1955
Fog, then fine.
At 9.15, Onsite men cleaned carpet (I washed bookcase and corner cupboard first). Finishd 10.10. Phoned Alys. To shops, milk. A lot of resting on bed. Made divan up. Mended basket. Haircut 5/–. Kitty phoned at 7.50. “Our Day and Age”, Gestapo. Norway.
Wednesday 12th October 1955
Fine.
Washed china and glass and put back corner cupboard. Also tool drawer. Phoned Alys 10.30 (Eva still in bed). At 3.30 for chicken puffs 1/– and peas 1/6, also nylon brush 3/6 and lavatory brush 3/9. “The Sisters” 3 p.m. “Suspense – We Die Alone”, Norwegian, , David Howarth.
Thursday 13th October 1955
Fine. Mild.
Washed larder, fixed paper. Put books in bookcase, and lower cupboard. Escourt (tin) sausages and peas, hot at 1.20. Rest. At 3.45 walked to Selfridge’s; got rubber gloves 3/–, Spontex 1/6, changed Italian bag. Wheatgerm 2/6, Blandford Street. Tuna and salad, cheese. Washed hair at 6.
Friday 14th October 1955
Fair, mild.
Cleaned in lobby, bathroom, grate. Sausage meat (cold). Electrician (not “Harry”) to put new holder in centre light. At 3 to get butter, and rolls and on later to Selfridge’s to change rubber gloves. To 11 Chandos Street. Tea and talk by Farthing on Wilton House (Earl Pembroke). Duke of Edinburgh speech at Danish Exhibition – “British Exhibition, Copenhagen”.
Saturday 15th October 1955
Fine. 9° drop at 5 so cold evening.
Sid Hill hung mirror and measured fireplace (took old mirror away). Discussed seat W.C. Out to change butter. Cleaned screen. Mrs Kertin washed kitchen, balcony and bath 3/–. “Mr Faint-Heart”, Ian Hay play. At 4.21 to Northwood. Eva met me in CUC. Talk. Kippers. “Watch On The Rhine”, by Lillian Hellman.
Memo:
14th B.A.A. 4.30 Farthing, Wilton House (Tanner ill).
11th Onsite 9.15. Onsite bill £2.14.0, 3/– per square yard.
11th Had haircut 5/– + 6d. Baker Street.
119 Bickenhall Mansions – 17th, 18th, 19th.
Both papers – articles on Princess Margaret and Group Captain Peter Townsend
Sunday 16th October 1955
Fine warm sun, cold otherwise.
Put Bramley seedlings away in garage (Brett picked Thursday). Phil put apron on BHN. Oxtail and vegetables, apple pie. In p.m., slept. Phil wrote letters. Eva for walk to Green Man and got berries. Tea. Phil and Eva got engine noises record from loft.
Monday 17th October 1955
Fine, cool.
At 8 with Phil in Frégate Renault to Wormwood Scrubs (he to Hammersmith Hospital, postgraduate Medical School). I by White City tube to Queensway, changed and to Baker Street. Arrived 119 Bickenhall Mansions 9.30. Expecting window-cleaner. Arranged books, washed paint. Wrote lettercard to Lois in Marino, North Ireland. “No Arms, No Armour”, Henriques, Marion-Crawford.
Tuesday 18th October 1955
Cool. Fine.
Kitty came at 9.30 – had 2 cups of coffee. Talk. She left 11.45 (to go to Walmer). I out to shops and Rogers with Radiomulsin. At 2.30 window-cleaner, “Wally”. Paid 10/– + 1/– as helped with curtain rods (6 windows). Washed net bedroom curtains. Put up Persians. Fish pies 10d Sainsbury’s (not very nice). Washed windowsills. “Horatio Nelson” and the grim story of SS policeman in Holland – “Our Day and Age”.
Wednesday 19th October 1955
Showery.
To Selfridge’s and Bank, first. Got lampshade frame at a shop next to Bumpus, 2/–. Ironed muslin (bedroom) curtains, and Alys’ tweed coat. Home. Steak and kidney and mushroom pie 3/–, Selfridge’s. Heated 25 minutes. Fropax peas 1/6. Washed 3 towels.
119 Bickenhall Mansions – 20th and 21st.
Thursday 20th October 1955
Rain nearly all day. Mild.
Cleaned top of wardrobe. Walk to bookshop (Bumpus), changed shade shape. Paid 5d (2/5 in all). Walked home. Ironed 3 face towels. Finished tweed overcoat hem, buttons. Made lampshade till 10 p.m. Alys phoned. Wrote Kitty at Walmer.
Friday 21st October 1955
Rain, dull.
9.15 Onsite came to do patch. Eva phoned. Mr Hill came with filling for fireplace. He also put castors on bed. Said 7/6. Gave him 10/–. Eva at 1.30 with lunch (she to get side screen, and to Rene‘s for night). I to Lewis’ and then The North of England Art Club, Private View at R.B.A. Walked back via Trafalgar Square and Berwick Street for lampshade shape 1.9 and raffia 1.6. 23 bus home.
Saturday 22nd October 1955
Dull.
Phoned Alys and she rang me later. Out for cold meats and then out again for more when Phil was coming. Alys came at 12.45 and Phil later and then Eva about 1.30. Lunch. Phil to Model Railway Exhibition. At 3.40 all of us in Renault to 12 Grove Road. Tea. Cod with white sauce and pickled walnuts, éclairs from Sagne. Bast on chair. “Cry Beloved Country”, Alan Paton.
Memo:
17th Window cleaner 10/– , Wally.
18th Laundry. Kitty at 9.45 at Bicky, leaves 12.45.
21st Onsite 9 a.m. (said 9.15).
21st R.B.A. Private View 11 till 5.
119 Bickenhall Mansions 24th, 25th.
Sunday 23rd October 1955
Dull, damp, dark.
Cozy kept in all night. Wrote to R.A.I. with cheque £1 for 5th November. Made chocolate mousse with 4 eggs (white). Roast beef and spinach in sitting-room. Did chair with bast all p.m. Showed Phil and Alys and Eva Uncle Fred’s (Frederick Barnard) letters with drawings and Michael Faraday‘s letters to Aunt Margaret.
Monday 24th October 1955
Dull.
Ays with Phil to town 8 a.m. I took BHN to Cook’s. He blew up tyre. I back and Eva in BHN to cleaners (CUC on charge). She took me to station. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch. To Kettle’s (acetate and cellophane), to Biro’s, to Wildenstein’s – Marcel Proust exhibition (Marcel Proust and His Time, 1871–1922), 2/6, very interesting. Walked home via BBC (High Street) for Radio Times. “Le Monde Comme Il Va”, Baboue – Eddison, Voltaire. “A Passage to India”
Tuesday 25th October 1955
Fine, mild.
Walked to dairy and back; then on Selfridge’s to get James‘s sock wool 6/– (changed other). To Evans’, hats, but didn’t buy any. Got overall seersucker. Made lampshade of spotted “Kleenit” paper. Altered overall hem. “The Charter in the Saucer”, Vuz, a Martian in saucer.
Wednesday 26th October 1955
Fine. Rain later.
Finished lampshade and took it to Northwood. Phil in bed (stiff and aching). Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 1.20. Lunch. “The Pike Beelzebub” play. Rested. To R.A.I. 5 Clayton on English clocks. Supper (Lois, Laurie, Eric) at Lyons. Cinerama (Casino, Old Compton Street) at 8.40, 10/6, very good. Rainy. Tube home by 11.15.
Thursday 27th October 1955
Fine. Cool.
Wrote Kitty and Nellie Moir. Out for milk and Times. Tried to write letter about Portuguese book to Times. Opened old tin of Épicure sausage, lunch. Began James‘ socks. Finished letter to Times and to post. Buckling, and baked apples (from Northwood).
Friday 28th October 1955
Fine.
Phoned Alys (Phil still at home). Eva fetching Eve and Helena. I walked to Herbalist, 21 Bruton Street. Berkeley Square (special essence and number 10). To Selfridge’s, towel rail 4/3. Tidied linen cupboard and lined shelves (Kleenit). Put up rail. “Oxford Union Society” debate on American influence.
Saturday 29th October 1955
Fine.
Out for Times and bread. Tidied desk drawer and tallboys a bit. Sausage and lettuce 12.45. At 1.30 by number 1 bus to Festival Hall (joined National Film Theatre 5/–, associate). 2.30 film – “Nature’s Dominion – Preserve or Destroy?” Mervyn Cowie spoke (Kenya National Parks’ Director). Home 5.15. Out for milk and got filleted plaice 2.9 and Fropax peas.
Memo:
28th Eve’s ½ term. Helena Vaisey coming.
26th R.A.I. 5 p.m. Clayton, English clocks.
29th Play “The Heat of the Day”, Bowen.
At most 30 minutes by 1 bus Baker Street to Festival Hall.
29th Royal Festival Hall, East Africa birds and film. 5/– + 1/– Webster’s 2.30.
31st Princess Margaret‘s announcement that she would not marry Group Captain Peter Townsend.
Sunday 30th October 1955
Fine.
Out for Sunday Times and oranges. Phil phoned re. film. Fish and peas (hot). Washed tiles for painting. 3.17 to Northwood (3/– Sunday day). Phil met me. To 12 Grove Road. All 6 (with Eve and Helena) to Watford cinema – “Colditz” and “Folly to be Wise”, Alistair Sim, very good, chaplain. “The Brain Trust”. Supper 12 Grove Road. 8.57 back.
Monday 31st October 1955
Fine.
Out for Times. Painted tiles and “fill up” in grate and after lunch, window fasteners and laundry container. Out for butter and had hair trim 3/6 + 6d. Out for milk (forgotten by milk boy). “Prater Violet”, (Vienna) making a film Christopher Isherwood ’34.
The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate 