In 1956, Kate is 77 years old and Alys is 72 years old. Eva is 47 years old and Philip is 43 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son). James is 18 years old (Eva and Teddy’s son) and Eve (Eva and Teddy’s’ daughter (my mother)) is 16 years old.
This Diary Belongs to:
Name: Katharine Faraday Boyd
Address:
12 Grove Road
Northwood
Middlesex
and
119 Bickenhall Mansions
Baker Street
London W.1.
Telephone: Northwood 1356
Welbeck 6522
In event of accident please notify…
Dr Embleton
St Helen’s Hospital
Ipswich 77251
or 5 The Rest, Crag Path, Aldeburgh, Suffolk.
Phone Aldeburgh 380
Northwood
Sunday 1st January 1956
Mild and sunny, windy.
Tied up honeysuckle. Watered geraniums on veranda. Wrote to Edith Bache with card and re. Giggleswick. Sent horse-lovers calendar to Eve. “Wolves”, Romain Rolland, 3 p.m. 3rd Programne, French revolution. Cleaned desk.
Monday 2nd January 1956
Fine a.m. Rain. Mild p.m.
Washed cloths. Met Mrs Hill. Mrs Bearcroft, my room. Took BHN to Cook’s but no good for left trafficator or wiper. Eva phoned for Eve’s skirt and blouse (square). Got from loft and Mrs Hill took to post. “Starlings” (Goon), “The Great Cham”, Samuel Johnson. “Heaven‘s My Destination”, U.S. Thornton Wilder.
Tuesday 3rd January 1956
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft. Wrote Doris and lettercard to Alys. Mince and spinach from garden! To Post Office and to buy binding for hem tweed coat and cheese. “Men of Constancy”, 1805 – 1815.
Wednesday 4th January 1956
Very foggy early then sunny and mild.
Mrs Hill phoned as so foggy, she’d walk. Brett came. Pruned and got coal slack. Met Mrs Hill with BHN, sausages. Coal came (4 sacks). Ironed tweed coat hem and ironed sticky binding on it. Chilblain cure on wireless (for old people), “Indian Summer”. Sent on Teddy‘s parcel. “Seagulls Over Sorrento”.
Thursday 5th January 1956
Very, very foggy and frost.
Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom. I did up Phil’s skates and Mrs Bearcroft took to post. Too foggy for car. At 3 I walked to Post Office and got car license (£12.10.0). Sent rent Bicky by post. Alys phoned at 7.10 re. Phil coming Bicky 6th. “Venusberg” (3rd Programme) from novel, Anthony Powell. Got a few bed clothes aired – Eva’s room. Gas fire.
London
Friday 6th January 1956
Fog better.
Met Mrs Hill, walking, and on to 119 Bickenhall Mansions with Phil‘s sheet to get flat ready for him tonight. Lunched and got milk and bread in. Made bed and cleaned all round. 4.48 to Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. “The First Night of Twelfth Night”, Leslie Hotson. “Take It From Here”.
Saturday 7th January 1956
Dull and cold, clear.
Walked to Post Office, got wireless license (119 Bickenhall Mansions) and bread and oranges. (Alys phoned, Phil hadn’t gone to London). “The Pen of My Aunt”, Gordon Daviot, very good. Strindberg‘s “The Ghost Sonata” (not liked), “My Cousin Rachel”, du Maurier.
Sunday 8th January 1956
Very cold. North wind. Frost.
Wrote lettercard to Alys with Cook’s bill for trafficator. To post. Put new license in BHN. Put on charge at 12. Stew and Fropax peas and mince pies. “The Naturalist: Rats”, 1.10. Polly Toynbee on “Talking of Books”. “The Greatest of These”, Danish play 3rd Programme by program by Kaj Munk. Sir Brian Horrocks in “Khaki Question Time”, Denzil Batchelor, Francis Cammaerts.
Monday 9th January 1956
Dull and cold.
Dug and swept snow from garage doors and paths. Mrs Bearcroft here. Walked to meet Mrs Hill, and we had Colliver Fisher up with pork joint. Wrote lettercard to Alys (saying would listen for phone from 6.5 to 6.30 daily). “A Shilling for Candles”, “Twelfth Night”, good. “A Jungle Picture – Tiger Royal” Norah Burke, read by Godfrey Kenton.
Tuesday 10th January 1956
Sun bright and fine weather, rain.
Mrs Bearcroft did Eva‘s room. Wrote Kitty. Chimney on fire (though swept in November?) Laundry. After lunch walked to Boots and bread. Slushy–slippery. “Snow Leopard”. To Carey’s. Alys phoned re. car-book. “The Day Lincoln Was Shot”.
Wednesday 11th January 1956
Fine and milder.
Air letter from Teddy. Calendars from Edith Bache. Met Mrs Hill with BHN. Brett finished pruning. Fixed car license frame on windscreen with Durofix. Washed mats and clothes. Defrosted Fridge after supper. (Sent off M. Gilbert book to Phil, “The Doors Open”). “Escape Me Never”.
Phil in bed with cough all week.
Thursday 12th January 1956
Fine but showers.
Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen (instead 13th). Aired blankets, fires in Alys’ and Eva‘s room. Hot bottles. BHN to get bread and fruit, tea, lard. Ironed mats and nightdress. Reading “Sincerely, Willis Wayde”. Took Special Essence and Number 10.
Friday 13th January 1956
Dull.
Met Mrs Hill 11.15; early lunch, sausages. 1.29 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Did up Phil‘s books, and posted to Broomstubbs 2/3. On to 11 Chandos Street. Lois and Laurie there. Good lecture by Frere – Roman Canterbury. Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 6.40. Slept on divan (leaving bed made for Phil). Special Essence again.
Saturday 14th January 1956
Showery.
Back to Northwood at 10.50, Colliver Fisher up. Mrs Bearcroft there and Cozy alight. Received airing blanket from Eva. BHN to get bacon. Hot bottles in beds. (Phil failed exam). “Both Ends Meet”, Macrae, tax collector comedy.
Memo:
10th Laundry.
13th B.A.A. Roman Canterbury, Frere.
14th Mrs Bearcroft a.m. instead of 13th.
Sunday 15th January 1956
Fine.
Milkman missed us. Phoned. Made beds, airing. Wrote lettercard to Alys and to post at 2.45 when met CUC returning from Aldeburgh! Eva and Eve; then coming from pillarbox, met James! (by train from Aldeburgh). All early to bed. “Roderick Hudson” by Henry James.
Monday 16th January 1956
Fine, fog early.
Berries off in CUC and James to Sherborne (Eva and Eve back to get dental plate!) They lunched Chinese restaurant, all three. I met Mrs Hill and got mince and vegetables. Liver lunch. Quiet p.m. Phone from Eva (at 119 Bickenhall Mansions) asking me to put on CUC lights in Eastbury Road. In BHN to do it. Back in dark 5.20. Eva and Eve 5.35. “Top of the Form”.
Tuesday 17th January 1956
Fair.
Eva and Eve off to town (Eve to Northampton p.m.). Mrs Bearcroft here. At 2.40, Carter Paterson called for James‘ box. I walked to Post Office and sent off Christmas cards to ex-soldiers. Eva back at 4.40. Agar on “Benjamin Franklin”, very, very good.
Wednesday 18th January 1956
Fine.
Brett. Eva to shops and meet Mrs Hill. Fried fish fillets. I walked to Bank. Eva to Rickmansworth re. Eve’s passport (for April). Did some washing. Very bad play “Life With Father”, Ralph Truman.
119 Bickenhall Mansions 21st.
Thursday 19th January 1956
Fair.
Phone call from Hoff re. Eva. Cozy stove in sitting room, lit. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. In BHN to get chops and took Berry clothes to Eastman. Rest in bed p.m. Kippers in sitting room by Cozy stove.
Friday 20th January 1956
Fair. Very windy. Mild.
Phoned Hoff for Eva. Eva did washing in machine. Still no news of Alys and Phil. Where? Wrote Nellie Moir, Kitty and Teddy (for shoes). Eva met Mrs Hill. I walked to Post Office, and to get Phoenix plate replaced, Salmon’s. Rest p.m. Bacon and eggs in dining room. “Any Questions”, “Pastors and Masters”.
Saturday 21st January 1956
Fair. Showers.
Eva took me to station. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Got milk and bread on way. Lunch, egg and cheese. At 1.40 to Waterloo. Royal Festival Hall 2.30 film, “Birds of Britain”, Lord Forester introduced on James Fisher, very good commentary. Back by 5.20 (Welsh football fans). “Landfall”, Neville Shute.
Memo:
15th Berry’s return from Aldeburgh.
16th James to Sherborne.
16th 12 Eve’s orthodontic.
17th Eve to Overstone.
16th 2.15 Carey’s man re sink pipe.
21st R.S.P.B. film Royal Festival hall 2:30 p.m.
Benjamin Franklin, British Museum till 19th.
Phil rang up Saturday evening, they’d been to Framlingham.
Sunday 22nd January 1956
Dull.
Train at 11.25 to Northwood. Walked up. In to Cattle’s to get 1 pint milk. Eva cooked beef round and sprouts, rhubarb and prunes. Read papers all p.m. “Roderick Hudson”.
Monday 23rd January 1956
Damp, muggy, rainy.
Eva ironing and I met Mrs Hill in BHN. Minced beef. In p.m. I cut up 6 large Seville oranges, 1 lemon and put to soak. Robert Kemp’s “Conspirators” (Russian), good.
Tuesday 24th January 1956
Fine, frosty.
Mrs Bearcroft, laundry. Washed jars. Eva to shops. She wrote Teddy re. James and Dr. Made 8lb marmalade in p.m. in 2 lots in pressure cooker. Eva did 1st lot in it. Kippers supper. Electricity off from 7 till 9! Candles. “Our Day and Age – The Dark Haven”, saving fighters lost over Britain in dark.
Wednesday 25th January 1956
Fine. Frosty.
Brett dug. Eva to meet Mrs Hill. Put marmalade away. Walked to get 2 more Seville oranges and lemon, 2lb sugar 1/4. Sausages and mashed potatoes. In p.m. cut up oranges and squeezed juice. Eva to Baldwin‘s, hairdo. I washed my hair. Lettercard to Alys. Cold bacon. “The Proposal”, Chekhov. “The Sulky Fire”, Jean-Jacques Bernard, Barbara Couper’s choice.
27th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 26th January 1956
Very damp, became mild.
Mrs Bearcroft did dining room. We lit Cosy in sitting room. Eva to shops in CUC. I did batch of marmalade 11 – 12.15. Eva in and made cauliflower au gratin in Presto. Eva tidying up sitting room of children’s and her Hong Kong stuff. I had rest on bed 1.30 – 3. Then did more marmalade (with treacle) 9lb in all. Lettercard to Mrs Hill. Eva posted. Alistair Cooke’s “Letter From America”.
Friday 27th January 1956
Dull, mild.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 11 (Eva also day in town). Electrolux man for Fridge at 12. Got big battery for Vidor 9/3. Lunch 12.15. At 12.45 to Classic, “Rear window”, James Stewart, Grace Kelly, 1/9. At 6.30 to British Council, 6 Hanover Street U.F.A.W. symposium and film, “Beaver Valley”, Kenneth Bird (Fougasse), Hume, Phyllis Croft, Russell, Margaret Williams, Sylvia Galloway.
Saturday 28th January 1956
Rainy, mild.
At 11 to Northwood. Walked up. Eva at shops with CUC. Steak lunch 12.45. Both in CUC to Rex to see “The Crooked Web”, U.S. and Berlin 1.15 – 5.20 and “The Cockleshell Heroes”, canoes up Bordeaux. Trevor Howard, José Ferrer, frogmen. 2.9. Boiled marmalade 20 minutes more. Herrings (grilled).
Memo:
24th Laundry.
27th Took boat clock to Harrison‘s.
27th Electrolux man, after 12.
27th U.F.A.W film and symposium 6.30, 6 Hanover Street.
Coldest February 1st since 1871. 20°F at Kew.
Great cold confirmed 2nd.
A little less 3rd.
Sunday 29th January 1956
Rain, dark a.m. Sunny p.m. Mild.
Ironed 2 nightgowns. Covered marmalade. No newspapers came, why? Eva made beef steak and kidney pie and open marmalade tart. On bed p.m. listening “The Milk of Paradise”, Alain-Fournier, Le Grand Meaulnes 3rd Programme 3 – 5. Times crossword (all but 9). “Roderick Hudson”, “The Royal Tour of Nigeria”.
Monday 30th January 1956
Dull, mild. Rain p.m.
Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room. Eva got meat and met Mrs Hill. I walked to Smith’s re. Sunday Times and paid Fridge light bill 12/6. Mutton, and the last 2 Bramley‘s baked. Rested p.m. then made net curtains for Phil‘s work room and listened to “Bella Donna”, Sonia Dresdel (Hichens’ book), play by Howieson Culff.
Tuesday 31st January 1956
Snowy, sleet, cold.
Mrs Bearcroft. Eva ironing and getting soot spots off her laundry from line. Tried to clean Fyrside. Cold mutton, and tinned celery hearts with sauce, marmalade tart. Wrote Alys and Eva. Darned. To post. “Scrapbook for 1920”, Marconi‘s at Chelmsford. Eve rang up from Northampton. Basins stopped up.
Wednesday 1st February 1956
Very, very cold. 24°F, also sunny.
Woke 6.30. Lit gas fires, bathroom, Eve’s room, hall. Eva and I cleared Fyrside. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions, met Electrolux man 12.10. Paid £1.16.3 new heater in. Lunch. At 3.15 to Selfridge’s, wool. To Fern’s 2lb coffee at 6.6. Walk to Burlington House 5. Lecture – the origin of the design of the Cambridge colleges by A. E. Richardson. Interesting. Home by 6.45. “The Archers”. Supper. Phoned Eva.
Thursday 2nd February 1956
Very, very cold. Sunny.
To Northwood at 11 (change and 5 minutes wait at Wembley. Frost hold up). Mrs Bearcroft lit kitchen stove. Fed birds. Curry (Eva made) and grapefruit, very good. Basin stopped up since 1st a.m. Eggs and bacon. Alistair Cooke’s “Letter from America”. Bathroom gas fire on all night for loft.
Friday 3rd February 1956
Cold, sunny, frosty.
With Eva in CUC shops and met Mrs Hill. Got slipper of bacon. Mince, swedes. Letters from Alys and Maggie. Feeding birds (and water). Mrs Bearcroft neuralgia and phoned (neighbour), can’t come. Did chair with raffia p.m. in my room. Carrie with hard-boiled eggs added. Eva phoned Eve about 8.30. Eden answering questions (reporters) in Washington.
Saturday 4th February 1956
Thaw in p.m.
Down to shops in CUC with Eva. Walked up (Bank, Boots). Grilled chump chops, Frood peas. Walked down to get yoghurt and Ribena 5/9. Stew and rhubarb. Thaw starting so shut loft door, and let gas fire out. “The Singing Sands”, Josephine Tey. Basins ran out.
Memo:
1st Between 12 and 2, Electrolux man.
1st R.A.I. 5 p.m. – the origin of the designs of the Cambridge colleges, A. E. Richardson.
1st or 2nd Call for clock.
8th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 5th February 1956
Thaw all day.
Still kept kitchen coke stove going. Eva did mince and carrots in Presto cooker. Rhubarb and yoghurt, wheat germ. Rest and Eva a walk for an hour. Cecil Woodham-Smith, “They Stayed in Bed”, “The Travellers – The Loneliness of the Great Oceans“.
Monday 6th February 1956
Mild, fair.
Eva to town. Mrs Bearcroft came and cleaned kitchen. I got herrings at Jones‘ and Mrs Hill. Got paraffin and “Cheer” (no duster). Wrote Alys lettercard. Eva home at 6. “My Aunt Daisy”, Albert Halper and Joseph Schrank.
Tuesday 7th February 1956
Mildish, dull.
Alys sent me Henry James‘ “Letters”. Mrs Bearcroft, stoves. Eva washed Eve‘s cardigan. I machined pillowcases. Did laundry. Walked (12.30) to get tomato 1/0½, yoghurt. Spaghetti lunch. Rest and sleep. “The Critics”. Eva‘s sinus running. Kippers. “The Archaeologist – Maiden Castle”, Wheeler, Piggott, Jacquetta Hawkes.
Wednesday 8th February 1956
Dull, mild.
Eva‘s coat came 7.25. She phoned Alys re. Aldeburgh. Brett came. Eva took me to station 11. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch of “chopped herring”. Rest, 2 plays, J. M. Barrie “Rosalind” and “The Will”. At 4,20 to R.A.I. lecture. Very, very boring and long by Savory. Home by 6.45. “Roman Britain”, 7.30 Hawkes, Radford.
9th and 10th Temperature in low 20’s and 11th lamps in cars.
Thursday 9th February 1956
Snow very, very hard.
Back (10.2 from Baker Street) to Northwood. Evamade sandwiches and off to Aldeburgh (1.30 Liverpool Street station). Took her to station 11.30. Shopped. Mrs Bearcroft came. Put beaver collar on fur coat. “Jelks the Dowzer” by Martin Shuttleworth, Robert Eddison.
Friday 10th February 1956
Frost, 20°F, some snow.
Took Fyrside upstairs. Coal in. Met Mrs Hill in BHN (swept snow first). After lunch to town (walked down). Rest at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To 11 Chandos Street, very interesting on cathedral towers, Cobb. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions for “The Archers”. 7.4 train to Northwood (too keen frost to leave 12 Grove Road all night). Fyrside under loft door all night and day.
Saturday 11th February 1956
Snow and frost.
Mrs Bearcroft came, instead Friday. She lit kitchen stove. I walked to get bread, peas, cakes (for Barbara). All day keeping up fires, stoves, feeding birds, water. All pipes frozen. Washed in kitchen. “Bidden to the Feast”, Jack Jones. Welsh story, good. Wrote Kitty and Katie Brims re. Sissie’s death.
Memo:
8th R.A.I. excavations of Dinas Emrys, H. N. Savory.
9th Eva to Aldeburgh.
10th B.A.A. Cathedral Towers, Gerald Cobb.
12th Barbara, tea and supper.
11th Horniman, London River, Stollery.
12th Thaw! Dull. 13th, 14th, 15th very hard frost (20.5°F).
Sunday 12th February 1956
Fine p.m. Thaw.
Washed and teeth in kitchen! Other pipes stopped. Phoned Barbara at George’s to put her off (too snowy). Wrote Alys (met girl who posted it). Read papers and “Flamingo Feather”. “Roman Roads”, “Bee-eaters in Britain”.
Monday 13th February 1956
Hard frost, sunny.
Mrs Bearcroft did my room. To fetch 4 gallons paraffin 8.40 and get a hod for coke 13/6. Met Mrs Hill. Fried fish and pancakes. Phoned Lois (who is in bed). Wrote Sandford Hotel, Church Stretton re. room July 9th – 14th. Wrote Miss Ruffer re. Harrogate, June. To Salmon’s for wick 3d. “Don Juan”.
Tuesday 14th February 1956
Very frosty and sunny at times.
Kitchen stove went out. Mrs Bearcroft re-lit it. To shops, walked. Letter from Lois with Grange Hotel brochure. Wrote to her. Steak and peas, prunes. Machined pillowcase. Sewed Amy‘s martin collar on her pony fur coat. Riddled coke (so dusty). Rather tired.
Wednesday 15th February 1956
Sunny. Very cold wind. Frosty all day.
Met Mrs Hill. Got coke in from outdoors; and coal. (No Brett). Wore Tante’s fur coat. Put full lamps in both cars. “Roman Britain – The Conquest” and “Reluctant Star – Dirk Bogarde”. Lower lavatory basin frozen up.
16th Still hard frost at night.
17th Still hard frost at night.
18th Still hard frost at night.
Thursday 16th February 1956
Fine a.m. Dull p.m.
Mrs Bearcroft got lots of coke and coal from outside. Walked to shops for butter and “boned and rolled hock” 4/6, 1½lbs at Hudson‘s. Wrote Grange Hotel 21/– not 24/–?. To post, then 4.30 to Cattle’s till 5. Mr Cattle very “piano” after pneumonia; in dressing gown. Wrote lettercard to Eva. “George Macaulay Trevelyan O.M.”.
Friday 17th February 1956
Dull. Snowy in p.m.
Met Mrs Hill; 1st got 2 gallons paraffin, after got petrol in BHN. Filled both lamps in cars. Phil phoned from London at 2.30. So I went to Bicky 3.10 and arrived same time as Phil. Gave him tea and biscuits. To Library (Public) and got “The Capel Letters” and 6.12 train from Marylebone. Walked up 6.50. “The Archers”, “Little Eyolf”. Alys phoned re. James and Marconi.
Saturday 18th February 1956
Snowing and few sunny times.
Not out till 2. Began marmalade making. Walked (after soup and cold cut lunch) to get 4lbs sugar and bread. Didn’t broadcast “The Night My Number Came Up” because of 50 airmen killed at Malta.
Memo:
13th Wrote Ruffer re. Harrogate.
13th Wrote Sandford Hotel, Church Stretton.
14th Wrote The Grange Hotel, Harrogate.
18th Horniman Museum, “Birds and Islands”, John Clegg.
Terrible winter in Italy and France. Olive trees killed. (Postman eaten by wolves).
Sunday 19th February 1956
Very, very cold. Some sun. 24°F or so.
Lit Cozy stove in sitting room. Made marmalade 8lbs. Busy filling paraffin stove and lamps (in cars). Coke in kitchen. Feeding birds. Tamey and Lamey and many tits. “Something to Say” 9.15, Gilbert Harding, Betjeman, Robert Henriques, Dennis Bennett, Rebecca West.
Monday 20th February 1956
24°F frost. Dull. Some sun.
Mrs Bearcroft, coal, coke, 2 fires to start and very snowy coke to bring in. BHN to meet Mrs Hill. Sausages and castle puddings. “Portrait of a College”, Balliol College, old Balliol men spoke. “What’s Become of Waring” from book, Anthony Powell.
Tuesday 21st February 1956
Still keen frost.
Mrs Bearcroft. Laundry. Walked to get flour and cream. Covered and labelled marmalade. Mended various things. “The Roman Army”, Cottrell and Morris. “I’ll Take My Cards”. (“The Archers”, Foot and Mouth at Dan Archers!)
Wednesday 22nd February 1956
Dull, sleet.
Bath runway stopped up. Met Mrs Hill in BHN. Got wick for Fyrside, but not needed. Pricked out holes. Filled both car lamps and put BHN on charge. “Roman Britain – The Army of Occupation”, 7.30. “The Mysterious Affair at Styles”.
Weather people say 100 hours of unbroken frost. Since 18th. But not as long as in 1947.
Thursday 23rd February 1956
Sun and snow. Frost all day.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. Filled lamps in CUC. Cleaned out Fyrside oil holes again (going badly). Walked to get suet and peanuts, baps, Benerva and Elastoplast (waterproof). “The Same Story” 3.45 Ischia (plagiarism of playwright). Sewed. “Any Answers”.
Friday 24th February 1956
Still frost. 20°F, dull.
In BHN for paraffin and Daz and met Mrs Hill. Mrs Bearcroft p.m. Wrote lettercard to Alys. Mrs Hill posted it. Sewed. Sylvia Freer phoned re. Ideal Homes Exhibition. “Take It From Here”, “The Barlowes of Beddington”.
Saturday 25th February 1956
18°F. Fine. North East wind and frost.
Walked to get cream and bread. Sat on veranda and fed birds. Snow on ground, warm sun. I washed hair. Bathwater ran out (frozen since Tuesday). Paraffin in both cars still. CUC on charge. Temperature above freezing on Air Ministry roof for 1st time in a week. “A Very Great Man Indeed”, Henry Reed (listened for 3rd time, wonderful!). “A Picture of Autumn”, Hunter. Removal of from old house C.H.W.
Memo:
Fyrside heater going day and night from 10th till 25th upstairs landing, and loft door open.
Sunday 26th February 1956
Dull. Slow thaw.
Wrote Lois and Sylvia Freer. Nailed kitchen lino. To post. Snow in garden all thawed, but hardly any sunshine; ground still hard. End of “Roderick Hudson”.
Monday 27th February 1956
Dull. No frost.
Met Mrs Hill in BHN. Mrs Bearcroft did bathroom (her cistern still frozen up!) Half shoulder of lamb, swedes. Kitchen stove out. Didn’t relight it. “Queen in Danger”, Simon Rattray. Robert Eddison as Hugo Bishop, Gorry. “What Do You Know?”
Tuesday 28th February 1956
Cool wind, some sun. Mildish.
Mrs Bearcroft. Harrod (Group Captain) phoned. Walked to get oranges and coffee and cream. In p.m. sat on veranda a bit and took cacti out for watering. In orchard. “Is There a Doctor in the House?” and “Stephen Grenfell – The Case of the Lost Copper”. Woke in night with aching neck glands.
Wednesday 29th February 1956
Windy. Mild. Dull.
Brett came. Asked for a rise from 12.3 to 14/–. Met Mrs Hill in BHN. Got paraffin and kindling. Liver. Covered cushion for car seat. Covered little table with plastic for serving. “Roman Britain – The First Cities”, “The ABC Murders”, Agatha Christie.
2nd Blackbird sang. 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Glubb dismissed from Jordan Army.
Thursday 1st March 1956
Dull, mild.
Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Jones took me to “village”. Walked up with Moira S. Wrote Eva with service pay cuttings. Sorted out lots of “The Listener”, to throw away, and some kept. Marion Berry rang up at 6.40 (Elephant Bill was just on “All Yours”!). Alistair Cooke – “Letter From America”.
Friday 2nd March 1956
Mild. Dull.
Posted papers to Eva (re. grants). Met Mrs Hill, sausages at 12.30. Got 1.12 train to town. Rest and “Mamma” at 2.45. To Library with “Capel Letters”. 23 bus to Selfridge’s, on to Harrison‘s. Bought little clock for Eve‘s birthday 59/6, collected ship clock.
Saturday 3rd March 1956
Rain all day. Mild.
Walk to Lloyds Bank (Mr Ray away, ill). To Gas Co. Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Mrs Kertin cleaned (3/6). To Marylebone station, 12.24 to Northwood. Curtain to Eastman’s. Walked up. Mince. “Country Air”, Lionel Brown, Vicar and flirtation.
Memo:
2nd Book to Marylebone Library “Capel Letters”.
3rd Sylvia Freer.
Sunday 4th March 1956
Perfect day.
CUC on charge. Wrote Professor Newell with form of subscription and covenant and cheque for £1. Lettercard to Lois. Sorted out bag drawer and got things together for jumble sale. To pillarbox. Met Hinds-Howell’s. “Cranford”, “Sir Henry Raeburn”, Rene MacColl in “Something to Say”.
Monday 5th March 1956
Perfect. Cool wind.
Mrs Bearcroft helped me with bookshelf from loft. BHN to meet Mrs Hill. Washed vest. Arranged books on old bookshelf. Walked at 5 to get biscuits and cream. “What Do You Know?”
Tuesday 6th March 1956
Dull. Some rain.
Mrs Hill phoned – father-in-law ill. Mrs Bearcroft, cleaned box room. Shops. Kipper lunch. Wrote Alys. Washed things. “Is There a Doctor in the House?”
Wednesday 7th March 1956
Mild. Dry.
Brett came and window cleaner. I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch there. Rest. To British Academy; put name on list for lectures. To R.A.I. (not as name), but John Harvey on Masons of Westminster Abbey. Supper with Lois, Laurie and Eric at Lyons. Home by tube to hear “Roman Britain – Country Life”, 7.30. Slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Archbishop Makarios III deported from Cyprus to Seychelles – 9th.
Thursday 8th March 1956
Fine, mild.
To Ideal Homes Exhibition at Olympia, but no hope of finding Sylvia Freer! Back at 1.15 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch and to Northwood by 1.45. Mrs Hill phoned – old Mr Hill died 2 a.m. Got Mr Seddon to witness British American papers and post. “Men and Wives”, Ivy Compton-Burnett.
Friday 9th March 1956
Fine.
To 119 Bickenhall Mansions (taking blanket). To my Bank – Mr Ray just back. After lunch, rest and then B.A.A., Chandos Street. Fletcher on porch and porticus in Saxon Churches, Jarrow. Sat next and talk to Mr Radford. Laurie there. “Oxford Union Society – A Debate”, W. J. Brown and R. H. S. Crossman.
Saturday 10th March 1956
Night frost. Fine.
Back to Northwood about 11.20 and walked up (met Mrs Bearcroft) and took BHN down for bag (left at sweet shop) and shopping. Bacon steak, grilled and sausages. Fed birds on veranda in sun. “No Bail For The Judge”, good (novel by Henry Cecil) play by Webber.
Memo:
7th R.A.I. Harvey on Masons at Westminster.
9th B.A.A. Jackson and Fletcher, Porch in Saxon churches.
N.B. Lamey, blackbird, never comes – is she dead? Young female comes with Tamey.
Heard from Cattle’s later that Lamey was killed by her young one.
12th Great Tit took nut from my hand, perching on it.
Big blackbird sang sub-song on veranda several times (4 feet away).
Sunday 11th March 1956
Cold, Dullish. Very weak sun in p.m.
Wrote lettercard to Alys (re. old man Hill’s death). Made cheese pudding for lunch. To post. Sat on veranda a little. Sausages and carrots. “Cranford”, “The Trial of Henry Howard”, 1547.
Monday 12th March 1956
Fine. Cold.
Mrs Bearcroft did my room. Mrs Kemp-Harper called for my “jumble”. BHN to shops. Verandah with birds (see above). Made pancakes for supper.
Tuesday 13th March 1956
Very, very cold. Grey.
Mrs Bearcroft. To shops. Lunch 12.30. At 1.15 in BHN to Assembly Hall, Hallowell Road. Jumble Sale (Conservatives). Bought cookbooks U.S.A. at 6d each, and queer container 7/6. Mrs Kemp-Harper brought it.
Wednesday 14th March 1956
Very cold. Sunny.
Brett potted geraniums (soil 3/6, John Innes) 15 pots! Mrs Hill came; met her (old man cremated Tuesday). Aired Eva‘s bed. Eva came at 5 (Molly Cave‘s car to Watford). Tea. Talk. “Roman Britain – The Economic Structure”, Rivet, Wheeler, John Morris. “The Picture of Dorian Gray”.
14th – 15th Debates on Cyprus, House of Commons and Lords.
Tamey with young female blackbird.
Thursday 15th March 1956
Dull. Cold. Very dark.
Eva to cleaners in CUC. Both to town, 11. Eva to Selfridge’s for Eve‘s cake decorations. I cleaned 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Both lunch there. 27 to Olympia. Found Sylvia Freer at Sussex Cottage. Home to Northwood at 5. CUC up. Tea. Lit Fyrside in hall. Clothes rope coming down from tree. “Vivisection”. Sir Victor Goddard, “Mr Wu”.
Friday 16th March 1956
Cold, dry.
Did up parcels. Eva sent coat to James. BHN took Eva at 11.20 to station, for Liverpool Street to 1.30 Aldeburgh. Mrs Hill and I shopped. I did up box of clothes (James’ and mine) and took to post, 13 lbs, 2/4 (for 50–50 sale at Aldeburgh). Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen and took letters (to Alys and Eve) to post. “Take It From Here”.
Saturday 17th March 1956
Some sun. Milder.
Letter from Bank re. Algoma shares. BHN to shops. Teddy‘s crates came. Looked out clothes for sale. Wrote Bank Manager re. Algoma; and British Academy. “The Mystery of Gragford Heights – Norman and Henry Bones” in Children’s Hour. “The Middle Watch”, King-Hall and Ian Hay. Jack Hubert as Captain.
Memo:
13th Jumble Sale, Assembly Hall, Hallowell Road.
14th Eva comes (for inventory “The Coppice”).
16th Write Eve for 16th birthday. Eva to Aldeburgh.
17th Mother died on Saturday, March 17th 1900.
Malenkov in England.
Tamey‘s new young mate building nest in old spot, Berberis.
Sunday 18th March 1956
Fine. Warm.
Sat on veranda and fed birds. Post and to Eva re. arrival of Teddy‘s 3 crates. To post. “A Disagreeable Man”.
Monday 19th March 1956
Fine and warm.
Met Mrs Hill with BHN. Didn’t light Cozy stove till 4 p.m. (coal running out). Carey’s man put U-pipe under the sink. “… Our Late Incomparable Brinsley” (Sheridan), “The Sailor’s Return”.
Tuesday 20th March 1956
Dull. Fair. Some rain.
Mrs Bearcroft. BHN to shops. Lunch. Then to Rex to see “The Man Who Never Was” and American version of “Christopher Bean”. “Hares”, Fisher and Grigson. Registered letter from Teddy, and letter from Eva saying Teddy comes 23rd.
Wednesday 21st March 1956
Fair. Mild.
Brett pruned roses. Had shears cleaned 6/–. Met Mrs Hill. Lunch 12.20. 1 o’clock to Bicky. At 3.15 at Fishmonger’s Hall (13 bus) Embankment Fellowship. Duchess of Kent spoke. Tea. Supper. “The Lavender Hill Mob”, Classic 2.4 queue, Alec Guinness. To Webster & Girling.
21st Slept 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
21st Blackbird singing (rather quietly). Lamey on post and tree front.
Thursday 22nd March 1956
Fair. Windy.
(Got petrol, oil, distilled water.) Ordered reserved seat from Webster & Girling (Saxmundham). Got “luncheon set” 19/11 for Sylvia Bearcroft’s from quilt shop 10.20 to Northwood. BHN to shops. Wire for Eva from Teddy. Phoned Alys, then Holmes (no reply). Slept on bed p.m. Took letters (1 from Teddy) to post. Eva rang, and not coming today. Lit Cozy stove at 5. Read papers.
Friday 23rd March 1956
Fine, warm.
Washed clothes. Met Mrs Hill in BHN. Ordered joint for Eva and Teddy. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Washed cloths. Tidied paper and paint drawer. To get cream and cheese and oranges, rhubarb and eggs at 5.15. Eva arrived at about 6.15 from Ipswich. She phoned Marion and Malcolm (Teddy’s sister and brother).
Saturday 24th March 1956
Drizzly.
Eva to shops in rain in CUC. Ravioli and rhubarb and cream lunch. Walked to shops for Post Office and ¼ lb butter. Eva phoned Hendon. Teddy‘s plane delayed, Karachi. Eva phoned Alys (Phil). “The Harsh Requirement” by Leicester Powell – atomic suspect.
Memo:
18th Eve’s 16th birthday.
21st 3.15 Fishmonger’s Hall, Embankment Fellowship.
23rd Eva comes.
Teddy arrives 27th at 22.30.
119 Bickenhall Mansions 26th, 27th, 28th.
Sunday 25th March 1956
Fine. Warm.
Eva busy with beds. I getting room ready for Eve. Hot beef, ice cream. Alys’ phone call at 6 was Teddy from Hendon (we thought him not coming till 27th). Eva met him at Northwood Station at 6.30. Supper, spaghetti. I to bed 8.30.
Monday 26th March 1956
Fine. Warm.
Mrs. Bearcroft, my room (for Eve). Eva to meet Eve at Euston. I met Mrs Hill. Teddy showed me films of Singapore. James phoned; Teddy met him (BHN). Eva took me to train and I to Bicky 1.15. Lunch Forté’s. Rest. “Hanging Judge”, “Ordeal By Fire”.
Tuesday 27th March 1956
Very fine and warm.
Phoned Lois. Wrote Alys long letter. At 2 posted parcel – clothes to Alys for sale. To Golders Green. Met Lois 2.30. Bus to Kenwood. Show of photos, “Aid for Historic Buildings”. Tea outdoors. Home. Went through old picture postcards. “Green Room Cavalcade”, Ralph Richardson, Laurence Olivier, Edith Evans, John Gielgud.
Wednesday 28th March 1956
Windy. Cooler, fine.
Cleaned windowsills and veranda. Out to bank and shops. After lunch (hamburgers and peas), rest and dozed through 2 play – “Sun and Moon” and “Conversation in Heckiebirnie”. To British Academy at 5. Professor Austin on “Ifs and Cans”, philosophy – Determinism and Free Will. Walked home.
Thursday 29th March 1956
Fair. Mild.
Cleaned a bit. Lunch early. At 12.4 train to Northwood. Shopped. Walked up. All 4 Berry’s having lunch (Mrs Hill cooking for me). They all off in CUC and trailer at 2 (Teddy and James had been in a.m. with 1 load). I to Rex (taking Mrs Hill to Northwood Hills). “The Court Jester”, Danny Kaye and “Flight From Vienna”. Shopped in Northwood Hills. Home 6.30. Steak and kidney and Cornish greens.
Friday 30th March 1956
Cool and dull.
Did very little all day. Wrote lettercard to Alys and posted it before lunch. Slept on bed in p.m. Mended petticoat. Read Times of last 3 days.
Saturday 31st March 1956
Mostly cold and dull.
Walked to shops and then later 12 in BHN to get bread (walked up with Mrs Griffiths earlier). Picked our 1st daffodils in orchard. “The Vicar of Wakefield”, very good.
Memo:
Mrs Bearcroft only 26th, 27th, 28th. Sylvia’s wedding 31st.
26th Eve and James back?
28th British Academy, Professor Austin 5 p.m.
29th Berry’s to Great Missenden?
27th Kenwood, meet Lois 2.30.
Sunday 1st April 1956
Cold and dull.
Did very little except got coal into sitting room. Difficult from low in “cellar”, nearly all gone. Put bonemeal on some rose plants. Fed birds all very hungry. Ground so dry. “Cranford”.
Monday 2nd April 1956
Fine and warm.
Bob-a-Job Boy Scouts in and weeded 2/–. I did a lot of weeding on the same bed. Altered hem of short grey coat, and ironed. Sat on veranda and sewed and fed birds. “What do you know?” – caffeine in tea, far more than coffee. “A Window at Montjouvain” (Proust).
Tuesday 3rd April 1956
Cool, dullish, some sun.
Mrs Bearcroft. Long talk about wedding. Mrs Cattle told me of seeing Lamey (?) killed. Saw new young mate on Lamey’s nest. Met Mrs Hill. Hair trimmed by Bond (2/– + 6d). Bank. Sorted papers and read Times. Sat on veranda a little. “The Travellers”, Fuchs, Hillary and Shackleton.
Wednesday 4th April 1956
Very cold. Sunny.
Brett. Ordered Colliver Fisher. Met Mrs Hill. She brought fish. At 2.15 took her to Northwood Hills, and on to Boys Club for gas cookery demonstration – cheese tarts and spaghetti Bolognese and bacon rolls. Tea 6d. “Fyrside” in dining room, to save coal.
Aldeburgh
Thursday 5th April 1956
Breakfast 715. Colliver Fisher 8.55 for 9.4 to Liverpool Street station. 10.30 to Saxmundham. 1.12 Alys met in JLN. To 5 The Rest. Chicken lunch. Rest, sleep on bed. Along to 31 Crag Path, Mrs Robinson‘s. Alys put Ella‘s wireless and a bedside lamp on. “The Archers”. Boiled fish and egg sauce.
Friday 6th April 1956
Sunny. Cold.
Walked to 5 The Rest. Out with Alys in BHN. Looked at houses on marsh for sale. Lunch, Mrs. Robinsons. Rest on bed and sleep. To Alys’ at 4.15. Looked over clothes for sale. Phil came in at 7 and I stayed to bloater supper. Phil walked back with me at 9.30.
Saturday 7th April 1956
Dull, cold.
Along for Times and to Alys’. We took clothes to Hall. Mrs Hale there, Mollie. (Phil 8.30 to Hospital till 12.30). to 31 Crag Path for hot chicken. Rest till 2.45. To Sale, 50–50 for Conservative Fund. Fun. Alys got fur £2. Sold Elsa‘s frock. 5 The Rest tea with Alys and Phil. Alys came to supper with me at 31 Crag Path till 9.15. Cold fowl.
Memo:
5th To Aldeburgh till 10th. Liverpool Street station 10.30 arrive Saxmundham 1.12.
7th Sale Aldeburgh 3. “50-50”.
4th Cookery Conservative Club 2.45 Boys Club, Hallowell Road.
2nd Mrs Hill (instead Monday).
5th Colliver Fisher 8.55.
Crag Path 8th, 9th; 119 Bickenhall Mansions 10th, 11th.
9th Eva and Eve at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Eve to Paris on 10th (with school class).
Sunday 8th April 1956
Dull and dark.
To 5 Crag Path 10.30. To “room” in Phil‘s car. Back to dinner 1 o’clock at 31 Crag Path. Rest. Sewed Phil‘s braces’ buttonholes. To 5 The Rest at 5 o’clock. All in Frégate to Gedgrave Hall. Butley River, curlews. Supper with Alys and Phil. Phil walked back with me at 9.30 and talked about moving from 12 Grove Road and 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Monday 9th April 1956
To Alys’ and a bit with her in car. To Leiston for flowers and kippers. Dinner 1 at 31 Crag Path. Rest till 3.30. To Alys’ at 4. Gwen tea, Willie at 6.15 (after golf). I stayed supper (kippers) and back to 31 Crag Path at 9. Mrs Robinson’s whist drive.
London
Tuesday 10th April 1956
Fine a.m. Dull p.m. Mild.
Packed. Posted Boots book. To Alys’. Got JLN. Shops. Fetched Murphy radio back to 5 The Rest. Alys to lunch 12.30 with me at 31 Crag Path. She drove me to Saxmundham. 1.31 Liverpool Street station, 4.14 Metro to Baker Street. Took luggage to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Out for milk, bread, eggs, and cheese. “The Archers” and supper.
Wednesday 11th April 1956
Fine. Fair.
Walk to Selfridge’s for towel rail, and to William Dawson‘s, 4 Duke Street re. R.A.I. Journals. Back to lunch and rest and “Miss Whittaker”, Janet McNeill. To R.A.I. at 4.45. Barley – Housing 16th – 17th centuries. Home by 6.50. Washed duster. “Paul Temple and the Lawrence Affair”. Finished “Smallbones Deceased”. Lettercard to Alys.
13th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 12th April 1956
Dull, fair. Rain later.
To Northwood 10.2. Walked up, leaving basket case at Munnion’s. Paid Mrs Bearcroft. Picked daffodils and parsley. Posted them to Alys in BHN by 12.15 1/5. Lunch, mince (Mrs Hill). Rest on bed. “Black Plumes” 3 – 4. Posted acceptance for 18th. “Fyrside” in dining room.
Friday 13th April 1956
Rain most of day.
Met Mrs Hill. Fish lunch. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 1.35 – got milk. Rest. Posted 2 cookery books and “Fish” to Alys in a.m. To Chandos Street, Mrs. Thomas’ tour 1774; with Lois to Waterloo. Snack at B.E.A. Film “Straw Hat”, too late so to News Theatre Waterloo till 9. Slept 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Saturday 14th April 1956
Cold. Showery.
Cleaned bedroom. Washed mop. Put up new towel rail. At 3.21 to Northwood. Walked up, getting cream. Fed birds, all quickly gathered round! Lit Cozy stove. “The Fielding Story”, press and escaped murderer’s family.
Memo:
10th Leave Aldeburgh. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions till 12th – a.m.
11th R.A.I. – Housing 16th – 17th centuries, M. W. Barley.
12th To 12 Grove Road a.m.
13th B.A.A., Mrs Tanner. Tour in North 1774.
14th Mrs Bearcroft instead Friday.
18th Bulganin and Khrushchev arrived – Victoria and Claridges.
17th Budget, Premium Bonds.
18th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 15th April 1956
Cold but some sun.
Cancelled room at Church Stretton. Wrote postcard to Lois re. Wednesday. Lit Cozy stove in p.m., and kept all night with slack. Leonard Cottrell “A Tour of Roman Britain”, “Three Hundred Years of Anglo-Jewry”, Viscount Samuel.
Monday 16th April 1956
Sunny, cold.
Mrs Bearcroft, Phil‘s bedroom. Cheque 1.6.6 from Alys from Sale. Mrs Hill in BHN. She boiled “slipper” bacon. Sausages, greens. On bed p.m. “Someone Waiting”, Emlyn Williams.
Tuesday 17th April 1956
Sun and hail shower. Cold.
Mrs Bearcroft, Eve‘s room. I tried leather soap on shoes. Wrote Alys with cuttings. Walked to shops – Nescafé. “The Budget”, talk by Macmillan 9.15.
Wednesday 18th April 1956
Fine, cold.
Eva phoned. Asked me to Great Missenden. Brett. Met Mrs Hill, cutlets from Sainsbury’s, 1/2 for 2. 1.12 to Bicky. Washed wall; “Time Out of Mind” (girl and Greek schoolmaster). Got milk, bread, butter. To British Academy, met Lois there. Mortimer Wheeler and Professor Wace. Felt faint. Out at 6, ladies room. We got a taxi in Bond Street and to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lois away at 6.45. “The Archers”. Chicken soup. “Paul Temple and the Lawrence Affair”.
(Phil had been to get tools at 7, Wednesday.)
Thursday 19th April 1956
Fine, cold.
Swept balcony. Out to buy shoes, but unsuccessful. Got stockings (Cohen’s), fishball 1/-, potato salad 9d. At 119 Bickenhall Mansions. “Brideshead Revisited”, Evelyn Waugh. Robert Eddison and Hugh Burden 3.15 – 5. 5.24 from Marylebone. 5.50 walked up. Fed birds. Bacon.
Friday 20th April 1956
Fine.
Cleared out Doz’s mahogany box, buttons. Met Mrs Hill, who brought steak and kidney, greens. Washed clothes. Walked to shops at 3.45 for oranges and cream. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. (Bulganin and Khrushchev at Greenwich).
Saturday 21st April 1956
Fine, warmer.
Picked daffodils and took them to Mrs Hill and Mrs Bearcroft. Made “Mary Baker” (1/8) gingerbread at 4. “The Volunteer”, Giles Cooper, fire raiser, territorial officer.
Memo:
18th 5 p.m. British Academy Professor Wace – Mycenae excavations ‘55.
20th Berry’s to Aldeburgh.
Both blackbirds (front and back garden) feeding fledgling.
25th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 22nd April 1956
Fine, cool wind.
Cozy stove went out. Sorted Jim Archer’s photographs. Wrote Alys with parsley and mint. “Henry at Agincourt”, Richard Burton. Arthur Somervell‘s “Maud” – song cycle.
Monday 23rd April 1956
Perfect.
Mrs Bearcroft, Alys’ room spring clean. Met Mrs Hill. Took her back with buttons for jumble sale. Got petrol at 9/2. Sent February and March Digest’s to Eva. Got Buisol oil (white) spray (changed other). “Little Boy Lost”, “The Semi-Detached House”, Eden.
Tuesday 24th April 1956
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft, Alys’ room continued. Walked to shops. Ironed things. “Danger is Our Business – Sister Jordan”, Red Cross Nurse.
Wednesday 25th April 1956
Dullish.
Phoned Eva. Brett sprayed roses (1st). Mrs Hill at 11.15. She brought fish. Got 1.12 to town. At 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 1.45. Eva and Eve had been at 1.40! Rest. To Herbal shop (via Claridges with Soviet flag). To R.A.I. 5. Mrs Holden, Lois. With Lois and Eric to Mario’s. Disappointing supper. 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 7.45. “Paul Temple and the Lawrence Affair”.
Bulganin and Khrushchev go back to Russia 27th.
Thursday 26th April 1956
Dull, cool.
Wrote Eva for Eiffel Tower brooch. Out Selfridge’s, stockings. Walked back looking for Way & Waller’s (Estate Agents). Egg, wheatgerm, Ribena. Sorted old ribbons and laces. Got the 3.36 to Northwood. Walked up, read papers, fed birds. “Mrs Dale’s Diaries”, ‘The Archers”, “Alistair Cooke’s “Letter From America”. “Fyrside” only.
Friday 27th April 1956
Dullish, cold.
Met Mrs Hill (after listening to Press Conference, Bulganin and Khrushchev). Roast pork. 2.11 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Out to Way & Waller, Hanover Square. On to Herbal Medicine 11/6. Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rest. (Letter to Alys at 12.45). “The Return”, Walter de la Mare (3rd Programme). Eden on Russian visit.
Saturday 28th April 1956
Fine, cold.
To 11 Chandos Street. Coach at 10 with 22 B.A.A. members to Polesden Lacey (Greville and old butler). Lunch, Star and Garter, Dorking. To Albury Park, Tea. To Clandon Park. Oxford Circus at 7.35. Supper at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Slept there. Read Churchill‘s “History of the World” in Life Magazine.
Memo:
25th R.A.I. Domestic house plans, later Middle Ages – P. A. Faulkner.
25th Eve back to Overstone.
28th B.A.A. Spring meeting, 10 Chandos Street. Polesden Lacey.
Young blackbirds left nests (back in front) 30th and 1st.
Sunday 29th April 1956
Cold.
Train 11.6 to Northwood. Walked up. Great Tit met me in road by the Griffith’s and took nut. Tamey also met me in road. Read papers. Cold pork. Lit “Fyrside”. “Count of Monte Cristo” began. “The Countryside in April”.
Monday 30th April 1956
Warmer.
Mrs Bearcroft. Mrs Hill. Did weeding, and birds found worms. Tidied a bit, papers in desk, Freer case. Slept on bed 3.15 – 4.10. Lit Cozy stove at 6. “One”, David Karp’s novel, mental torture. “The Leader”, Mexican revolution.
Tuesday 1st May 1956
Warmer. Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft, my room. I to Boots and coal office and Bank and to pay telephone bill in BHN. Wrote Amy Steel, Greenough and Kitty (at Sylvia‘s) lettercard. Weeded with birds. “Danger is Our Business – Test Pilot”, Peter Twiss, over 1000 mph, world speed record. Oil in ears.
Wednesday 2nd May 1956
Warm, sunny.
Bought olive oil for over a pound at delicatessen. Mrs Hill. Brett brought rhubarb. He put hose on. Got new joint for it (to tap). Baked fish. Blackbirds busy feeding young in garden. Wrote Alys. Began Income Tax claim.
2 thrushes left nest, Cattle’s monkey tree.
Young blackbird starting new nest, Berberis.
19th Bickenhall Mansions – 4th and 5th.
Thursday 3rd May 1956
Fine, warm.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaning Phil‘s bedroom. Car to shops. Hose on in garden. Wrote Alys postcard re. olive oil. No fire. Early to bed. Eva phoned re. tomorrow.
Friday 4th May 1956
Fair. Mild.
Couldn’t start BHN. Eva to have hair done, and to 12 Grove Road to lunch. Walked to meet Mrs Hill, who brought steak and kidney. To Baker Street with Mrs Shuttleworth. 119 Bickenhall Mansions. “All About Eve”, Classic 2.4 at 3.30. “Any Questions?”
Saturday 5th May 1956
Perfect, warm.
At 9.30 to Victoria & Albert Museum by 30 bus. 10 a.m. 3 coaches R.A.I. to Chevening House (Earl Stanhope). Lunch Sevenoaks. On to Ightham Mote and then Mereworth Castle (Palladian, not at all a castle). Orange trees. Tea same place, Williamson‘s (and Aplin’s), Sevenoaks. Back to Victoria by 7.10. Bus to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. “Visibility Nil”, good play.
Memo:
1st Can have coal!
5th R.A.I. Spring meeting, 10 Victoria and Albert Museum – Sevenoaks Ightham Mote, Mereworth Castle, Chevening House.
30th James back to Sherborne.
4th Kitty to George’s from Sylvia‘s.
9th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 6th May 1956
Fine.
Blackbirds both singing well. Fed birds, put hose on in garden. Kitty phoned from George’s. Tidied desk a bit. Put BHN on charge. Talk on “Sigmund Freud” (born 1856). “Punishment Without Vengeance”, Lope de Vega – man in love with stepmother.
Monday 7th May 1956
Duller. Some sun.
Met Mrs Hill in BHN. Mrs Bearcroft finished washing paint in Phil‘s bedroom. Sausages. Garden with birds. Turned out hat trimmings and boxes. “Edward My Son”, “What do you Know?”
Tuesday 8th May 1956
Dull.
Brigeon cut grass. Started in BHN for station. To Cook’s and left car. To Great Missenden; Eva met me inCUC. Lunch and round garden, and sat and talked re. Marion‘s flat. Teddy and Eva took me to station. 4.50 to Northwood. To Cook’s. Car ready (exhaust mended). Home.
Wednesday 9th May 1956
Dull. Rain p.m.
To Bank. Brett. Car wouldn’t start. Phoned Cook and walked to meet Mrs Hill. By 1.24 to Baker Street. Wrote letter to Alys re. Marion‘s flat and Kitty‘s visit. Got milk. To R.A.I. Tea and address by Corder, very very good. Miss Struthers (nurse with Freya Stark). To 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
11th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Blackbird fathers feeding young in front and back gardens.
Young hen laying 2nd brood.
Thursday 10th May 1956
Dull, mild.
“Wally” came about 10. Cleaned windows. Mrs Kertin; gave her 3/6. Took saddlebags to Davis’. Voted (Borough Council). Washed net curtain (Wally took down). Lunch. To Northwood about 3.30. Very tired. Rest. Then weeded ground elder (had Colliver Fisher up), (lunch at Forté’s). To bed 8.15, and slept early.
Friday 11th May 1956
Dull, mild.
Letter from Alys. BHN no starter. Walked and posted Phil‘s lifejacket. Got bacon 8/3. Walked up with Mrs Hill. Lunch. At 1.39. to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rest. To 11 Chandos Street. Tea and Major P. C. Fletcher – Hinton Charterhouse Priory. Talked Baillie Reynolds. (Wrote Alys, and sent scarves). Slept 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Saturday 12th May 1956
(no weather)
Washed windowsills and net curtains (bedroom). To pay electric bill, and got Sellotape and “Roman Britain”, Richmond. Fishcake and coleslaw (2/–), lunch. 3.51 train to Northwood. To Cook’s. BHN ready. Drove back, after voting. Birds and hose on. Picked spinach. Egg on top for supper. “Oranges and Lemons”, stupid play.
Memo:
7th Faraday’s to Jersey.
9th R.A.I. Annual General Meeting Tea 4. Corder address 5.
8th To Eva‘s 11.38. Take 2.10.0 for art.
11th B.A.A. Major P. C. Fletcher, Hinton Charterhouse Priory.
10th Windows Wally?
Vote at Marylebone (L.C.C.).
Sunday 13th May 1956
Fine, cool.
Prepared Alys‘ room for Kitty. Wrote postcard to Kitty, letter to Ernest Vernor Miles and Ernest Blaikley (for Portuguese book). To post. “The March of the ‘45’”, Bridson.
Monday 14th May 1956
Dull. Coolish.
Mrs Bearcroft aired Kitty‘s bed. Met Mrs Hill, pork chops. Washed mats and stockings. Defrosted Fridge after supper. Gardened a little. Early to bed, tired.
Tuesday 15th May 1956
Fine, warm.
Mrs Bearcroft made Kitty‘s bed. Car to shops. Ironed mats. Tidied rooms. “The Word”, Kaj Munk (Swedish).
Wednesday 16th May 1956
Fine, warm.
Cozy lighted up at 7.30. Brett. Kitty came 8.50 (brought by George). We both in BHN to meet Mrs Hill. Mince, lunch. Sat on veranda and knitted. Kit on bed 3.30 –5. On veranda, sherry. Bacon and tongue (brought by Kitty).
Thursday 17th May 1956
Some sun, cool wind.
Kitty cut spinach. Mrs Bearcroft all day (instead of Friday). Cozy alight all day. Kitty and I for a walk “round block” by Kewferry Road. She on bed p.m., and we on veranda; sherry till 6.45. (Mince in shepherds pie, lunch with spinach). Read Archer “Tree” and my childhood poems.
Friday 18th May 1956
Fair.
Breakfast 8. BHN to Eastbury Road 9.45. To Baker Street. Kitty to meet Frank Archer for lunch. I to Woolworth’s for hose pipe 5/6 4 yards. To Marks & Spencer‘s. Lunch 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Wallace (bookshelves). Kit to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 5 and George called for us at 6.30. Drove to Northwood. I home in BHN. Kitty to Hunton Bridge with George.
Saturday 19th May 1956
(no weather)
To shops and Boots (for book) in BHN. Cold mince and potato salad. At 3.38 to Great Missenden (BHN to station) 2/4. Eva and Teddy met me in new Rover! Tea and round garden and seeing newly painted house. They drove me home to Northwood station for BHN. “According to the Evidence”, good, from book by Henry Cecil.
Memo:
16th Kit here 9 a.m. and night and 17th.
20th Kit probably to Barbara‘s.
Mrs Hill’s holiday 18th.
Kit and Frank Archer to “Death of a Cyclist”, Academy Cinema.
23rd Tamey sang on Cattle’s gable for 1st time this year.
The 2nd brood hatched out.
Sunday 20th May 1956
Fine.
Put sodium chloride on ground elder in orchard. Planted out 6 petunia plants and 6 antirrhinums. Posted letter to Alys. “The Shrimp and the Anemone”, L. P. Hartley (children).
Monday 21st May 1956
Perfect.
Did a good bit of weeding, and hose on various bits of garden. Washed my hair at 6-ish. “César”, Marcel Pagnol from Raimu, the Marseille film Trilogy – César, Fanny, Marius.
Tuesday 22nd May 1956
Perfect.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room. Lois phoned. BHN to shops for bread, oranges. Brigeon cut lawn. Weeded. Wrote Kitty and to post it. Hose on beds and lawn. Read papers. (Got petrol, quart of oil, BHN).
Wednesday 23rd May 1956
(no weather)
Brett staked sweet peas. Washed stockings. In garden. Moved Ella‘s plant to back. Gilbert Harding‘s autobiography. Berberis nestlings hatched out.
Thursday 24th May 1956
Fine a.m. Dull and rain at 6 p.m.
Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ room. We made bed. In BHN to Jones’ for kippers. To Bank. Put hose in front garden for nestling worms. To station to meet Alys, 5. Met Teddy on platform! (working at Coastal Command). Alys about 5.25. Talk. Supper. She rang Eva.
Friday 25th May 1956
Dull. Showers, some sun.
Took Alys to station about 11 o’clock. To Bank with £60 (Dorothy Barnard’s). Shops, and home. Did Income Tax claim, and then lunch. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. BHN to Eastbury Road and left it there for Alys. Walked home. Wrote Ernest Vernor Miles. Alys back at 6.45. Cold meats.
Saturday 26th May 1956
Fine.
BHN to Jones. Alys got out and shopped in Northwood. Home together. Alys fried sausages and mashed potatoes. Sat on seat and sun till 3. Alys on bed. I to get joint for broken hose pipe – twice in BHN. “The Faithful Ally”, Eric Linklater, good play.
Memo:
Alys comes 24th 4.30 Liverpool Street station.
28th 119 Bickenhall Mansions (Mrs John Street 28th).
30th Blackbirds hatching out, honeysuckle, 2nd brood.
Sunday 27th May 1956
Fine (hot sun, cold wind).
Alys in BHN to Moor Park at 12, train to Great Missenden. I in garden; tied up daffodil leaves in knots. Sausage rolls and watercress. Phil phoned at 7.15. Alys back at 7.30. Kippers. “The Battle of Jutland”, May 31st, 1916.
Monday 28th May 1956
Fine, warm.
Mrs Bearcroft. Alys and I to Bicky (Colliver Fisher, BHN non-start) by 12.50. Bought rissoles, lunch. Alys out to shop. I to National Provincial Bank and shops. Changed Idris. Mrs Travers. Lois to tea and talk Jersey. After tongue supper, I to British American Association – General Roscoe Wilson and Lady Margaret Darcy, Professor Newall. Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 10.30. Alys and I slept there.
Tuesday 29th May 1956
Dull, rain.
Alys to buy tulle. At 12.40 I with her to Baker Street Station. She to Liverpool Street station for Aldeburgh. 1.30 lunch 119 Bickenhall Mansions. To Gayler & Pope, for red stole 17.11. To Wigmore Street Post Office re. Savings Books. To Franklin House, Craven Street – John Epstein out. To Northwood 4.58.
Wednesday 30th May 1956
(no weather)
Brett planted geraniums and cyclamen and saxifrage. Man from Carey’s patched pipe on the sink. BHN to get cheese. Cheese pudding, rhubarb. Lettercard to Nellie Moir at Treloen Hotel, Mevagissey, Brigeon cut grass. Bacon and egg supper. Called up Hearn re. painting kitchen.
Thursday 31st May 1956
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft, dining room. BHN to get kippers. Put hose in front garden. Washed nightgown. Wrote Alys, returning £1 which she sent for red scarf. Phoned Haymarket Theatre.
Friday 1st June 1956
Cooler. Dull then fine.
Irish lace crochet on to nylon dress and trying to remodel waistline. In garden. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Walked to Gas Co. and Boots. Nigel took me in car uphill.
Saturday 2nd June 1956
Dull. Windy.
Walked to Post Office, got £21 out and took £20 to National Provincial Bank and put in. To Boots. Hose on garden. Did some gardening. Tied up daffodils. Made pastry with Lyons pastry mix. Egg and jam tarts supper. “Marriage is No Joke”, James Bridie – Hogbin, Jock and the “Tigrizza”. Knitted James‘ socks.
Memo:
28th British American Association, 46 Green Street, 8.30 p.m.
23rd Lois Bicky 4.
29th Laundry.
2nd Mrs Hills holiday ends.
Sunday 3rd June 1956
Dullish, cooler.
Sent cheque £5 to Ruffer, Congress B.A.A. Sewed Irish lace cuffs on black dress. Did a good bit of weeding. Hose in front garden. Cut lilac dead flowers off. Made cheese pudding. Wrote James Fisher re. birdwatching in Gardens Association.
Monday 4th June 1956
Rain. Colder.
Eva phoned re. Old Vic. Mrs Bearcroft, spring-cleaning sitting room. In BHN to meet Mrs Hill. Mended silver waterproof and two brassières. “The Leader of the House” by Nigel Balchin – Prime Minister and actress wife. “Those in Favour”, Christopher Mayhew M.P. – British and Soviet delegates and Ministry of Defence on nuclear success.
Tuesday 5th June 1956
Colder, fine.
Mrs Bearcroft phoned – Doctor with Sylvia, coming tomorrow instead. Picked spinach and weeded. After lunch, walked to Bank and station. My letter in The Times!! Cut out dress, green and cerise tartan cotton. “Tribute to Walter de la Mare” read poems. J. Morpurgo introduced “tribute”.
Wednesday 6th June 1956
Showery. Cool.
Met Mrs Hill, who had “stew” with her. Mrs Bearcroft came (instead Tuesday). At 2.30, BHN to Boys Club. Miss Baxter of Union Girls’ Schools Social Service spoke (Conservative Women’s Association). Mrs Pennefather, Committee. Wrote Alys. Machined cotton skirt
8th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Baby blackbirds left nest 9th – front garden.
Eisenhower ileitis operation on small intestine.
Thursday 7th June 1956
Fair, cold. Cozy stove.
Mrs Bearcroft came. Wrote Handy re. his congratulations and Churchill’s history. Eva to lunch (after hair, Bond.). Stew and spinach and tartlets. Rest in p.m. Teddy at 5.30 and they home in Rover. I weeded.
Friday 8th June 1956
Heavy showers. Very cold.
To Bank with £100. Met Mrs Hill (fell, running down by Davis’). Lunch 12. Got 1.12 to town. To Webster’s for tickets, Harrogate. To Ryman‘s re. Alys’ pen. To Fern’s. To B.A.A., tea and meeting 4.15 (Norris – brasses, German). Lois gave me cheque for 2 tickets £6.9.4. To Forte’s for butter; had soup and roll. “Call the Tune”, musical quiz.
Saturday 9th June 1956
Fair, cool.
To Bruton Street for Herbals and sent back to 17 Manchester Square, Selfridge’s; sandwich lunch. To Haymarket Theatre 2.30, “The Chalk Garden”, Edith Evans, Peggy Ashcroft. To Northwood 6.6. “The Inheritance”, John Sommerfield.
Memo:
6th Conservative Association – Boys Club 2.45.
5th James 19th birthday. Wrote 4th.
8th B.A.A. Annual General Meeting. Call for Herbal.
9th Haymarket 2.30 “The Chalk Garden”, dress circle 13/6.
7th Eva lunch.
6th Phil’s holiday begins.
Duke of Edinburgh (35th) read Lesson in Church, Stockholm.
Sunday 10th June 1956
Dull, cold, rainy.
Wrote Alys re. Hilda Randall, with Spontex mop. Did a bit of green tartan cotton dress, machined. Wrote Frank Archer re. his congratulations card. Out to catch milkman at 11, and post at 2.45. Sir Reader Bullard “I Remember”, good and amusing.
Monday 11th June 1956
Muggy.
Mrs Bearcroft, my room. I in BHN to get petrol (no oil needed). To Post Office for 4/4 insurance stamps. Mrs Bearcroft card arrears. Met Mrs Hill, sausages, apricots. Sewed and machined green frock. Finished skirt. Weeded in corner of garden.
Tuesday 12th June 1956
Fair. Windy.
Mrs Bearcroft did dining room. I sewed frock. Brigeon cut grass. Walked at 12 to Boots and Cullen’s. Sewed neck of green dress all p.m. Weeded and tied up things. Back very stiff. Mr Cowie in at 8.15. 10/– To Conservative Association. Talked of Canada.
Wednesday 13th June 1956
(no weather).
Getting bed ready for Eva. Brett came. BHN to Bank and to meet Mrs Hill. Sewed. Weeded. Early to bed.
15th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
“Eyebrows” blackbird young left nest 14th.
Thursday 14th June 1956
Fine with showers. Cool.
(BHN, 18 hours on charge). Mrs Bearcroft, bathroom and dusted Eva‘s (Alys’) room. I put bottles in bed. BHN to Jones’ for kippers. Ironed new dress and put elastic at waist. Replanted nasturtiums and weeded. Eva came in Rover at 7.15. Supper and night (Teddy in Plymouth).
Friday 15th June 1956
Fair.
Eva to shops and get mince and Mrs Hill, 11.15. Lunch 12.30. In Rover to parking place. Eva and I to London by 1.12. Eva shopped and to 119 Bickenhall mansions at 5.30 or so. I to Gayler & Pope re. stole. To Davis’ for saddle bags, 11/6. To Faukes (Mrs Cole), hair trim by Gladys 3/6 + 6d. Teddy to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 7.30. They away. Slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. “Axel”, Robert Eddison.
Saturday 16th June 1956
Rain all day.
Did a lot of cleaning. Mrs Kertin in (3/6). Made bed up ready for Phil (on Friday forgot to put that gasman came re. cooker leak.) To Northwood by 3.51. Colliver Fisher up. Early to bed. Sewed. “Blithe Spirit”, Michael Denison, Dulcie Gray.
Memo:
Phil‘s holiday, Le Lavandou.
14th Eva to supper and sleep.
14th Max Beerbohm (3rd Programme) on “Recollections of Henry James”.
Sunday 17th June 1956
Rain, dark, cold.
Finished off bows for cotton frock. Let out skirt. Wrote lettercard to Alys. To post. Weeded, and grass into moss spots. Washed my hair. “I Remember”, Lady Violet Bonham Carter. “Bow Bells”.
Monday 18th June 1956
Showers, cool.
Mrs Bearcroft, Alys’ and Phil’s rooms. Mended curtain. BHN and Mrs Hill. Picked our own rhubarb! Redesigned dark grey coat collar. Also nylon and check blouses’ collars.
Tuesday 19th June 1956
Dull, cool, showery.
Defrosted Fridge. Mrs Bearcroft did sitting room. Walked to shops. Ironed grey coat fronts. Alys phoned 7.15. “As I Was Commanded”, Germany ‘45. “The River Police – King’s Reach”, Thames police. “The Archaeologist – The Wessex Culture” by Stuart Piggott.
Wednesday 20th June 1956
(no weather).
Brett put cosmos in. BHN to Jones’ (kippers). Window cleaner 6/–. Alys arrived in JLN from Aldeburgh about 3.30. (Put old nasturtium seeds in). “Shrimp and Anemone”, L. P. Hartley with Alys, 3rd Programme.
2nd Test Match stopped play 3.30, poor light!
Thursday 21st June 1956
Brigeon. Alys to shops. Mrs Bearcroft washed baskets. Mince and carrots, lunch. Put pocket in green frock. Trimmed old straw beret. Expecting Phil about 7 – 8. He phoned 8.30. Delayed, to Le Bourget for petrol. So London Airport late. Taxi home 9. Very brown. Ruby Murray on plane – television singer.
Friday 22nd June 1956
Fair, dullish, dry.
To shops BHN to get sirloin beef. Alys to meet Mrs Hill and Eva in JLN. Eva to lunch and tea. Alys took Mrs Hill home. Phil in bed all a.m. (resting but well and very brown). He took Eva to train 5.30; and got kippers at Jones’. Discussed Mandy Steel’s letter. To bed 10.30.
Saturday 23rd June 1956
Fair to fine.
Alys took Phil to station 9.15. I took BHN and parked it at station for Phil‘s return. Walked back. Eva came, walking up. Teddy came in Rover about 12.30; Phil back also. Sausages, cabbage, creamed rice and whipped cream, bottled raspberries. Phil with Teddy in Rover. Then Berry‘s home, 3. Sewed frock and short rest. Alys, Phil and I on veranda till 7.10. I did ravioli. Talk in dusk till 10.30.
Memo:
21st Alys and Phil to 12 Grove Road. Phil from France – La Levandou.
24th Alys and Phil to 119 Bickenhall Mansions to sleep.
Grange Hotel 25th.
Cecil Hotel till 30th.
Sunday 24th June 1956
Dull, dry.
Alys and Phil in JLN a drive around, back to lunch at 1.40. Cold beef, green peas and salad, ice cream and chocolate sauce. I began packing basket. Omelette supper. Alys and Phil in JLN to 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 8.40. I made sandwiches. “For Valour” General Sir Brian Horrocks interviewing V.C.’s from all over Empire.
Harrogate
Monday 25th June 1956
Warm and fine in north.
Colliver Fisher 9.5. 9.21 to Kings Cross. Alys saw Lois, Laurie and me off at 10.35 to Harrogate. Ginger beer and sandwiches. Taxi to Grange Hotel (with Miss Ouless). Room 17, 50 and 71. To tea at The Cairn Hydro, 15 minutes walk. Ruffer and many others. Dinner 7 (with Mr Morgan). Television – ‘What’s My Line?”
Tuesday 26th June 1956
Fineish.
9.30 coach to Fountains Abbey and Hall. Lunch, The Unicorn Hotel, Ripon and then Cathedral, Cannon Bartlett. Newby Hall, Gobelins tapestries. Tea there. Markenfield Hall (moat), then Ripon, Reverend Bickersteth. I with Mrs Ritchie at 710 to Cecil Hotel, engaged room, had dinner. Taxi to Grange Hotel. Packed. Taxi back to Cecil Hotel. Television, “Up To Date – Fountains Abbey”, very bad.
Wednesday 27th June 1956
Fine, dry.
By Valley Gardens to coach, muddle. Bolton Priory. Lunch Bluebird. Ilkley, church (cross shaft). At 2 to Adel – tiny Norman Church. 2.45 Hareward House. Tea and hilly walks for it. Harewood Church. Back at 7 to Harrogate. Dinner. Postcard from Alys re. exam, “useless”).
B.A.A. Congress.
Thursday 28th June 1956
Showery.
To York service in Crypt. Chapter House. Horn and silver. Treasurer’s House first. Lunch, Creamery Restaurant, good. To Goldsborough, Lascelles‘ house. School now, Frances Boyer head. Knaresborough. Tea, The Elephant and Castle, good. Back at 6.50. Changed. Play “The Petrified Forest” television. “Animal, Vegetable, Mineral?”, Basil Megaw, Hugh Shortt, Sir Mortimer Wheeler.
Friday 29th June 1956
Rain. Fine evening.
To Selby. Lunch at Monk Fryston Hall Hotel, very good. Miss Graham offered me horticultural tickets to Nostell Priory (Chippendale bills). Tea there. I with Mrs Holden. To Temple Newsam 5 miles from Leeds. Now Museum. Back at 7. Talked to Elizabeth Bennett of her V.C. father, Paul Bennett. Laurens van der Post, “The Lost World of Kalahari” on television.
Northwood
Saturday 30th June 1956
(no weather)
Taxi (with Mrs Ritchie) to station (after phoning Lois about time of train). 11.18 to Kings Cross. Lunch 9/7 (10/6 with tip). Arrived 4.30. Taxi to Baker Street 3/6 with tip. To Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. To bed 8.30. “The Heiress”, Cecil Trouncer, Celia Johnson.
Memo:
Laundry 26th.
25th to 30th B.A.A. Harrogate Grange Hotel.
Phil‘s cram this week 25th and 27th.
3rd 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 1st July 1956
Showery.
Wrote Mrs Ritchie, Nellie Moir and Alys. Eva phoned. Cut off dead roses. Potted tiny fern root from Monk Bretton Priory. “The Somme”.
Monday 2nd July 1956
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft did Alys’ room. Met Mrs Hill. Sewed skirt (letting out waist). Mrs Cattle told me of Nigel‘s diabetes. Teddy brought key. Gathered strawberries. Hearn phoned. “The Heiress of Rosings”, “La Bonne Lorraine”, Jeanne d’Arc.
Tuesday 3rd July 1956
Dull. Cool wind.
10.2 to Baker Street. Lois at 11 (lunch 12). 59 bus to Westminster. To Greycoat Place, Horticultural Show (Miss Graham‘s tickets). Then to Marlborough House, V.C.’s Exhibition. Very interesting. 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 5.30. Wrote Alys for 4th. “Doctor to the Islands”, “Crime Report”.
Wednesday 4th July 1956
Fine. Rain at 4.45.
Alys’ 72nd birthday. Phoned Franklin House. Went there (Craven Street). Saw John Epstein. Lunch at Lyons self-service. Walked up Regent Street. In at Dickins & Jones and Lafayette. Then Lewis’. Got remnant grey stuff and 27 in to match it and also piece of lighter grey. Rest at 119 Bickenhall Mansions. 4.30 to Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. Rest. Dinner; soup, steak and salad, strawberry compôte!
7th 5 The Rest, Aldeburgh.
Thursday 5th July 1956
Very windy. Mild, dull.
Lettercard to Alys, to say would go Aldeburgh, Saturday – Wednesday. Sent off Eva‘s brassière and a cheque £8 for her’s and Teddy‘s birthdays. Met Mrs Hill, fish. Cut off lots of roses and tied up. Wrote Laurie with prehistory program. Sewed pocket. “Soviet Affairs”, Radiolink Stalin‘s dethronement and France, Italy, Norway.
Friday 6th July 1956
Fine, warm.
Met Mrs Hill, cutlets. Packed suitcase. Picked off roses and Mrs Hill took some. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions at 3.15 to get shoes and scarves. Also ticket from Webster’s. Back by 4.30. Wore new green plaid cotton.
Aldeburgh
Saturday 7th July 1956
Very sultry. 80°F.
Mrs Bearcroft came. She took my Singapore basket and satchel on cycle and we walked to station. 11.58 to Liverpool Street station. Train 1.33 to Saxmundham. Sandwiches. Diesel to Aldeburgh. Daisy Glover on it. Alys met me. At 6.35 to Vernon‘s cocktail garden party. Mrs Holmes too. Back 8,10 – crab and strawberries and cream.
Memo:
3rd Lois at 11, Bicky. To Horticultural Show.
1st Alistair Cooke 4.45.
5th Russian film – “The Road to Life”.
4th Mrs Bearcroft (instead Tuesday). Wrote Miss Rose Graham.
5th Mrs Hill (instead Wednesday).
5th Paid Mrs Bearcroft for next week.
7th To Aldeburgh.
Sunday 8th July 1956
Fine and warm. Perfect.
Alys to get petrol, dropping me at Woolner’s to call on Nell Sandeman (Kate and Alys’ 2nd cousin). Rests and in JLN to Phil at Saint Helen’s taking shirts. Back to Aldeburgh by 7.30 and in to Cave’s for drinks (Daisy Glover there) till 8.15. Supper at 8.30, cold bacon and sausages and salad, strawberries and cream.
Monday 9th July 1956
Rain, thunder.
Out in rain; got soles (Cable’s). Into JLN and took Cable boy’s mac and sou’wester to school. Got bread and sausages. Home. Altered fox fur shoulder. Rest. Sleep. At 4.30 Nell Sandeman to tea (talk of Rockliffe’s; Bromley) and Mrs Cooke-Yarborough in. Nell Sandeman away at 6.55. Delicious soles (3d each!!)
Tuesday 10th July 1956
Fine, fair.
Shops and I to Ing with gun metal necklace. To Saxmundham for flowers in Miss Embleton‘s garden and got cake there. Daisy Glover and Gwen Cave to tea. At 6 Alys and I to Harbour to look at “Aida” (Tom Riggs and Phil‘s new Dragon.). Reader’s Digest quiz in evening.
Northwood
Wednesday 11th July 1956
Fine.
Nell Sandeman in for umbrella. To Ings for beads 2/–. Round by house in Lee Road. After lunch, Alys drove me to Saxmundham. 1.35 to Liverpool Street station (arrived 4.30). 5.15 to Northwood, 2/7. Colliver Fisher up. Cut off roses, and sweet peas. BHN for ice cream. “Doves”.
Thursday 12th July 1956
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft still spring-cleaning dining room. To shops in BHN for kippers and oranges; fetched Marconi (Alys’) back. Took lamp. Washed clothes. Weeded. Wrote Alys. At 4.42 to station BHN. Evening ticket (after 5) to Waterloo (3/– to Baker Street). Film, “Le Rosier de Madame Husson”, 3/– Françoise Rosay and Fernandel. Back by 8.45. Kippers and ice cream at 9.
Friday 13th July 1956
Fair.
Posted amber to Ing, Aldeburgh. Met Mrs Hill, who brought vegetables and gooseberries. Open tinned steak, as didn’t get meat. Took standard lamp home 4/-. “These Foolish Things”, steamer siren.
Saturday 14th July 1956
Drizzle all day.
BHN for bread, cream. Weeded and cut branches in coal place. Wysteria. Ironed. Tidied cotton drawer. Mended pocket and Macintosh. Defrosted Frigidaire. “The Man in the Next Carriage”, Norman Ginsbury, Grizelda Hervey.
Memo:
12th Le Rosier de Madame Husson.
13th Trouble in Paradise.
12th or 13th Coal – didn’t come.
11th Back from Aldeburgh.
Sunday 15th July 1956
Warm, dull a.m. Better later.
Wrote Alys re. green dress. Picked sweet Williams and sweet peas and weeded. Read back numbers Times (while away). Strawberries (ours), cream. “Wrong Number” 6 – 7, Norman Edwards. Picked mint for Alys (in water all night).
Monday 16th July 1956
Fine and warm.
Offer of £8.10.0 from Ing! Accepted it. Mrs Bearcroft, my room. Posted green dress and mint and rosebuds to Alys. Met Mrs Hill. Washed gloves. Eva phoned re. offer for The Coppice £5,750. Picked strawberries. Weeded in front garden and Verdone on lawn. “Back to Methuselah”.
Tuesday 17th July 1956
Dull, then fine. Warm. Mild.
Phone out of order all day till 5. Tried to call Eva. Cut out coat from old grey skirt and new piece of flannel. Ironed and machined. Weeded and killed ants. Phoned Eva 5. Offer for house accepted. Poussa (Berry’s cat) put down. Hearn came 7.30 re. kitchen painting estimate. “The Rape of the Locks”, Menander and Gilbert Murray.
Wednesday 18th July 1956
Fine a.m. Thunderstorm p.m.
Lettuces from Cattle’s. Brett – had to give him 10/– extra for lost note. Met Mrs Hill, after getting petrol. Sausages. Went on with grey flannel coat. Phoned Eva ( Teddy too) at 4. Picked strawberries, before heavy thunder and rain. “Tarr”, Wyndham Lewis (Stephen Murray, Tarr).
19th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 19th July 1956
Thunder at times.
Met Mrs Hill (who brought fish). Our rhubarb. 1.9 train to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rest. Sausage and brown bread. At 5.15 Waterloo, Film Theatre. “One Hour With You”, Maurice Chevalier, Jeanette MacDonald 1932. Wrote Alys. Slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Friday 20th July 1956
Rain a.m. Dull later.
Washed cloths and Phil‘s brush and comb. Most of a.m. getting paint off W.C. seat (underside). Lunch 1.45. Train 3.23 to Northwood (lady from near Cockfield, 4 miles from Lavenham, Suffolk. Walked up (getting cream and ice cream on way). Picked masses of strawberries (almost too many to eat but managed it!) To bed 8.30.
Saturday 21st July 1956
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. BHN for bread. After lunch at 1 to Rex to see “Pacific Destiny” (Arthur Grimble) and “The Freight Train”, good.
Memo:
17th Hearn 7.30.
19th “One Hour With You”, Maurice Chevalier 6.15.
19th Mrs Hill instead Friday.
“Eyebrows” blackbird sings sub song on window-shelf or veranda to me. Also sings half strength in cherry tree.
25th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 22nd July 1956
Fine to fair.
Did a lot of work on flannel coat. Ironing. Weeded in front and back garden. “Hunters’ Moon”, Eden Phillpotts 6 p.m. “In Good King Charles’s Golden Days”, Shaw.
Monday 23rd July 1956
Fine and warm.
To get my battery at Cook’s. Got kippers at Jones’. Met Mrs Hill who had neck of mutton and peas. In p.m. picked lots of strawberries. Eva came (train) at 6.45. “The Archers”; kippers and strawberries and cream. To bed 9.30.
Tuesday 24th July 1956
Fine, fair.
Mrs Bearcroft. Took Eva to Sainsbury’s in BHN. To Bank with Income Tax reclaim £130. To Rex 1.30 “Smiley”, very good Australian with Ralph Richardson as Padré. Laundry. Also “Cavalcade” with Michael Wilding. Planted Mrs Bearcroft’s little lettuces, and weeded.
Wednesday 25th July 1956
Fine. Hot 80°F but breeze.
Teddy phoned re. birthday!!! Washed things. Brett came. Met Mrs Hill. Lunch early. 1.11 to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Phoned Faukes and Elsa. Rest. “Mountain Rescue” play. To 9 Church Row, arrived 4.45. Talk with Elsa and Max, and saw garden house. Walked to Frognal bus and 119 Bickenhall mansions by 6.55. Sir John Slessor, “Frankly Speaking”.
4th Test Match – Australian collapse, we retain Ashes.
Nasser declares Suez is nationalised Egyptian.
Thursday 26th July 1956
Hot. 80°F.
At 10 hair-shaping 3/6 by Gladys at Faukes. To Evans and Selfridge’s looking at frocks and stuff. Met Lois in shop. 12.30 from Marylebone to Northwood, Colliver Fisher up. Lunch. Rest. Washed hair. Wrote Alys (forgot Audrey‘s letter). To post. Sewed coat. “Back to Methuselah”, last bit.
Friday 27th July 1956
Hot. Fine.
To Bank. Met Mrs Hill. Did some ironing and sewing (coat). Rest. Test Match. BHN to station; but then left note of at Baldwin’s for Eve (4.30) and back by 4.
Saturday 28th July 1956
Cooler, greyish.
Phoned Arnold re. Berry’s. Mrs Bearcroft came. Walked to shops. P.m. rest; dozed. Picked lots of strawberries. Practised insert pocket. “The Blood is Strong”, Skye, Nova Scotia family.
Memo:
23rd Get battery. Eva for night.
25th Eve (term ends).
26th Hair Faukes 10.
28th Nigel takes Eve to a show and stays night at The Coppice.
29th Terrific gale, Moyana sunk (prize winner in race, Torbay – Lisbon) 88 miles an hour. Worst gale since 1870.
31st 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 29th July 1956
Rain and gale all day.
Wrote Major Maxwell Knight. Finished pockets on grey coat. Alistair Cooke 4.45. Re. cinema and Tele. “The Ivory Lighthouse”, Robert Louis Stevenson and the Samoan Imbroglio (1890-94). “Calling the Stars”, Tony Fayne and David Evans, good.
Monday 30th July 1956
Fair. Windy, cool.
To station to meet Eve at 10:57. Mrs Bearcroft with message re. train; so waited till 3rd train at 11.50. Taxi from Marylebone to 62 Harley Street. Lunch at Gondola 5/– +1/– tip. To Selfridge’s (Doll Exhibition) and HMV and Murdoch’s for records (Eve chose). Baker Street and train to Moor Park. Saw Eve off to Great Missenden. Home 4.
Tuesday 31st July 1956
Cool. Dry.
Met Mrs Hill. Mrs Bearcroft did dining room. I wrote Kitty, with a bunch of lavender. Train 1.41 to town. Got milk, bread, eggs. Wrote Alys, and to post at 6.15. Got paint off lavatory seat. “Schumann” songs. Pears and Britten.
Wednesday 1st August 1956
Gale and rain. Clearer by 4.
To Fern’s for 2lb coffee. Straight back. Lunch. At 2 to Blennerhasset, Hanover Court. He put in a temporary filling. Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Washed cloths. To Northwood by 4.58. Walked up (with pieces from piece drawer). “The Travellers – Trouble in Tibet”. “Old Fortunatus”, Thomas Dekker.
4th “Eyebrows” (back garden blackbird) taking food to orchard.
Thursday 2nd August 1956
Fair.
Met Mrs Hill (instead Wednesday). Mrs Bearcraft did kitchen. Posted “Limey” to Eva, Oakley House. Liver and onions. Planted 23 little lettuces. Tied up marguerites and weeded. Read Times. Finished “Close Quarters”, Michael Gilbert.
Friday 3rd August 1956
Fair. Thunder at 8.
At 10.42 shops in BHN. Met Mrs Hill at 11 (with steak and kidney). At 1.10 to Rex (with Mrs Hill in car), “Basketball Headliners” (Canadian Naismith inventor). “The Man Who Knew Too Much”, James Stewart and Doris Day, very good (Hank kidnapped, Albert Hall). Shops. Back by 5. Sewed coat. Mandy Steel phoned. Kippers. “These Foolish Things”.
Saturday 4th August 1956
Fair, showers.
Letter from Teddy re. house at Aldeburgh. Phoned to them Oakley House. Mandy phoned. BHN to shops. Lunch. BHN to station; 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 3. At 4 bus to Park Lane. To Flemings Hotel, Half Moon Street. Tea with Mandy. Taxi to New Theatre 5.30, “Gigi”. Supper Chinese Restaurant. Arrived Northwood 10. BHN wouldn’t start. Walked home.
Memo:
31st Write Kitty. Mrs Hill 11.15.
1st Blennerhasset 2.30.
30th Meet Eve and Dental Clinic 12.
31st James ends term.
1st Berry’s to Oakley House.
3rd Mrs Bearcroft holiday starts.
6th Found nest of “eyebrows”. Third brood in apple tree. Very tiny nestlings.
Sunday 5th August 1956
Showers and sun. Cool.
Walked to station at 10, boy swung handle and started BHN. Drove home. Prepared meal and house; and Mandy Steel came at 1.25. Cold ham and liver sausage and tongue, lettuce, tomato, beetroot and peas and potato. Our little strawberries with ice cream and cream. In garden. Mandy took movie of me. She slept in hut 3.20 till 5. Tea, ginger cakes, croissants, bread and marmite and marmalade. Drove her to 6.27 train. Supper, beef steak and kidney.
Monday 6th August 1956
Thunder and sunshine. Cool.
Wrote lettercard to Alys and lettercard to Mrs Hill and letter to Teddy with house agents memo on “Albert House”. Two pillarbox before lunch. Found nest in apple tree. Put grass in moss patches. Sorted K–H letters (Stephen King-Hall) and put in covers. Pieter Geyl on Motley’s Dutch Republic.
Tuesday 7th August 1956
Fair.
To Colliver Fisher to order car. To Cook’s and left BHN. Walked home, via Bank. Wrote Mandy (Saltonstall). Read old Times papers. Made sandwiches after supper. “The Archaeologist – Modern Megalith Builders of Assam”, Stanton Drew by Stephen Dewar. Packed bag.
Aldeburgh
Wednesday 8th August 1956
Cool. Windy.
Colliver Fisher at 8.50. 9.4 train to Liverpool Street station. 10,30 to Saxmundham. Sandwiches on train. Teddy met me 1.26. To 5 The Rest. 30 minutes rest. Then with Alys (JLN) to Mrs Hale’s, Fête for Conservative Party. Gwen and Mollie and Teddy and Eva. Tea and raffles. Mrs Quentin tickets (Mrs Leuchar’s mother). Ham toasts. Phil phoned (had been London Monday).
Horrid Suez crisis.
(Offered £2,500 for Mackie’s, later £2,750).
Thursday 9th August 1956
Fine. Warm.
Went with Teddy and Eva to see Mrs Mackie’s flat. Sat in Oakley House. Eva and Teddy cutting beans. Alys came up and Gwen. Lunch. Out with Eva and Alys (JLN) to get petrol and looked at flats near station (Tibbenham), to Knowles’. Cinema (after visit from Leuchar’s, sherry) at 8.15 “Glyndebourne – On Such a Night”, and “The Lady Killers” (Alec Guinness).
Northwood
Friday 10th August 1956
Cool, windy.
Eva up. To Ing’s with Alys. Eva and Teddy to Knowles’ – offer refused. Ate sandwiches 12.30 at Alys’. Teddy and Eva took me to Saxmundham in Rover. 1.31 Arrived Liverpool Street station 4.26 or 30. To Northwood 6.20. Colliver Fisher up. Read papers, “The Archers”. Hot mince and peas, greengages. “These Foolish Things”, “A Hedge, Backwards”, Henry Reed.
Saturday 11th August 1956
(no weather)
Walked to shops in rain and then to Cook’s. Drove home in BHN. Picked strawberries and sweet peas as sunny p.m. “The Simpleton”, South American Revolution. John Loveday – Maurice Denham.
Memo:
8th Aldeburgh till 10th. 1030 Liverpool Street station (9.4 Northwood). Colliver Fisher 8.50.
“Eyebrows” 3rd brood left nest (apple tree) 13th.
Sunday 12th August 1956
Showers and sun. High wind.
Washed gloves. Wrote Diana Holliday, and Alys and Murray (porridge). Gardening. “Birds in Britain – Grouse”, James Fisher and Flesher. 4.45 Alistair Cooke “Letter From America”. “The Two Noble Kinsmen”, Shakespeare and Fletcher.
Monday 13th August 1956
Dull a.m. Windy. Fine p.m.
Letter from Alys, card from Eve. Met Mrs Hill in BHN. Got bacon 11/-. Washed chemises and went on with nightgown, machined. Weeded. Gathered strawberries. Merriman phoned re. “interest”. Johnny Morris “Johnny’s Jaunt”, Thames head.
Tuesday 14th August 1956
Fine. Windy.
Walk to Boots’ Library. Some weeding. Finished nightgown (old pieces). Slept and heavy dream on bed p.m. Began “Anglo-Saxon Attitudes”. Brigeon came.
Wednesday 15th August 1956
Fair.
Met Mrs Hill. Brett, hedge. Wrote Nellie Moir re. September visit? Cut branches of cherry tree.
Suez conference begin 16th, Lancaster House.
EOKA stopped violence Cyprus.
16th 119 Bickenhall Mansions, 18th or 17th.
Thursday 16th August 1956
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft back from holiday. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions a.m. After lunch rest, and took off more paint W.C. seat. At 515 to Waterloo; National Film Theatre 3/–, “The Life of Émile Zola” with Paul Muni. Very good. Back at 8.15. Supper.
Friday 17th August 1956
Fair.
Painted W.C. seat. Bus to Car Mart, Euston Place. Said withdraw deposit. Walked back. Buckling (Maisonne Français). Electric bill paid. 2.51 to Northwood. Walked up.
Saturday 18th August 1956
Fair, cool.
BHN to get bread and petrol. Teddy and Eva came with vases. Said James failed for Queen Mary’s University. Tidied medicine drawer and cleaned pig skin case (Harold Faraday’s). “The Party at No. 5”, Gladys Young as Mrs Rampage (murdered Miss Roach in cellar).
Memo:
15th Berry’s and Bank – Teddy and Eva.
16th Mrs Bearcroft back.
22nd 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 19th August 1956
Showers (heavy) and some sun. Cool.
Wrote Kitty at Newcastle. To post. In garden, weeds and picked strawberries for supper. Cleaned out Alys’ work basket (moths). “Friends at Court”, Henry Cecil. Barrister and Council, innkeeper and bribes – good.
Monday 20th August 1956
Sun and showers.
Met Mrs. Hill. Forgot purse. Washed things. Teddy and James came with car and trailer full of trunks. Mrs Bearcroft, my room. Ironed clothes. Weeded. Alys phoned 8.30 (re. James‘ exam). “The Grasshoppers Come” (locusts), David Garnett, Marion-Crawford.
Tuesday 21st August 1956
Fine.
Mrs Bearcroft, Alys’ bedroom. I washed Alys’ pillowcase. Picked rhubarb. After 12.30 lunch, BHN to Rex at 1.15. “Hot Cars” and “Trapeze” with Gina Lollobrigida, good. Home 4.15. Cut grass verges, hut. “Arctic Doctor” (Moody), B. Braden. “The Archaeologist – The Roman Town’and Villa at Great Casterton”, P. Corder, M. Barley, J. Gillam, Durham.
Wednesday 22nd August 1956
Fair.
Met Mrs Hill 11.15. Brett cleaned veranda. 1.26 to town. Rest. Out for milk. Mended gloves and brim in Kangol. “Nekrassov”, Jean-Paul Sartre (Existentialism).
End of Suez Conference. Five going to present plan to Nasser.
Surrender terms to EOKA refused.
Thursday 23rd August 1956
Fair, cool.
Lois came, with Philip (Metcalf?), Eric‘s adopted son 6 ¾ years. I painted W.C. 2nd coat. Got Erace 8/– and refund for Idris. Lois said Diana had gone back to South Africa. Back about 3 to Northwood. Phoned Eva (more trunks). Phoned Alys re. selling Chesterfield. “The Spirit in Jeopardy”, tortured prisoners’ stories.
Friday 24th August 1956
Fine, cool.
Met Mrs Hill. To Boots. In garden a good deal; cut lilac. Mrs Bearcroft, kitchen. Read Reader’s Digest and then sent it to Teddy (in bed with bad strained back). Eva phoned re. rugs (James to Aldeburgh for Yacht Club dance.)
Saturday 25th August 1956
Showery, cool.
Walked to shops for butter and cream. Ironed Alys’ pillowcase. Altered shoulders on black coattee. “Sky High”, Michael Gilbert.
Memo:
21st Laundry.
20th Antony Carr (18 years) won ”What Do You Know?” final.
Rain stopped Test Match 27th.
Cyprus truce up 26th, midnight.
Sunday 26th August 1956
Thunderstorms and sunshine.
Wrote Alys re. September dates. In garden between thunder and showers. Strawberries for supper. Washed nightgown and rest. “The Last Wilderness – Dartmoor”.
Monday 27th August 1956
Heavy rain a.m. Clearer p.m. Cool.
Makarios found to be leader of EOKA. Mrs Bearcroft came. Met Mrs Hill 11.15. After early lunchm to Rex 1.15. “Reach For The Sky”, Kenneth More as Bader and “Scilly Isles”. Teddy and RAF friend at 9 a.m. Tidied middle of serpentine drawers. James failed Chemistry A-level. Passed Biology A-level and has passed 10 subjects O-level.
Tuesday 28th August 1956
Fine.
Teddy and other Wing Commander at 8.45 bringing masses of things. Mrs Bearcroft helped with pictures (from Great Missenden, Layton). Mended mats (door). On veranda. Cut verge and tidied in garden. Cut mint for drying. “Curiouser and Curiouser”, Anglo-American humour.
Wednesday 29th August 1956
Showers. Thunder and sun.
Brett cleared hut for James. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions in p.m. to get in butter and milk and bread. Found moth in Phil‘s pyjama drawer. Picked roses. Arranged tins for Eva. B.A.A., Raymond Priestly’s talk on Antarctica, 7th continent, through nuclear heat. “Portrait of Virginia Woolf” (Angelica Garnett, Clive Bell).
Bicky 31st and 1st.
(2 nuns took Miss Easton’s crucifix away!)
Thursday 30th August 1956
Sun and showers. Hot and cold.
Mrs Bearcroft, sitting room. Met Mrs Hill, leg lamb. Paid in £10 National Provincial Bank (Car Mart). Defrosted Fridge. All p.m. getting things together to take and putting moth crystals in Phil‘s room. At about 5.30 Arnold and men came with chair and bed and potatoes and garden seat. Took my leather chair. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions just in time for “The Archers”. Slept there.
Friday 31st August 1956
Cold. Fair.
Eva phoned from 12 Grove Road. Out for Times. Rest on bed. At 3 to Selfridge’s for bread. Wrote lettercard to Nellie Moir. “Naturalist’s Notebook”, Fisher on bird changes in habitat.
Saturday 1st September 1956
Showers. Very cold. Strong north wind.
To Selfridge’s – frying pan bill and orange squeezer (Canadian one). Braised beef and plums. At 1.30 to National Film Theatre – “Yellow Sky”, Gregory Peck, Ann Baxter – Brigands 1867, gold, very good. Czechoslovakian “Song of the Prairie”, dummies, lady in coach, villain and hero and horses. “The First Bad Man”, Texas jail B.C. 1000000 3/–. Very good talk (Socratic) by Indian on impressions of English character, Choudhuri, 3rd Programme – “A Passage to England”.
Memo:
27th Reach For The Sky, Rex. Bader, Kenneth More.
29th Kit back from Newcastle.
29th Teddy fetched Mrs Bearcroft 12.30.
29th Berry’s here. They moved from The Coppice.
30th Mrs Hill instead Wednesday 11:15 (I to Bicky).
1st Yellow Sky.
2nd Menzies and 4 others to Cairo for Suez plan explanation to Nasser.
Sunday 2nd September 1956
Cold. Fair. Dull.
Out for papers. Cleaned paint pot (methylated). Painted W.C. again. Sliced braised beef and peas, plums and cream. On divan. “Talking of Books”, V. S. Pritchett. “Letter from America”, Alistair Cooke and “Six People – A Surgeon From Prague”, very good by Rene Cutforth.
Monday 3rd September 1956
Dull, milder.
Kit phoned re. key 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Man came re. gas oven. At 2.15 to Selfridge’s to see orange squeezer and omelette man again. Bought whisk, and separator and beater 4/9, orange squeezer 1/9, breadknife 10/9, stockings 13/10. Vinegar (Dufrais) 2/9. “Also Among the Prophets”, play about Saul and Samuel, Louis MacNeice.
Tuesday 4th September 1956
Dull.
Washed windowsill and cleaned balcony. Only out to get Times in a.m. In p.m. to Public Library and got “Profit and Loss”, and “Daughters and Sons”, Compton-Burnett. “I Live As I Please”, Bill Harney, Australian, Two Fella Creek.
Wednesday 5th September 1956
Dull.
Posted “Beyond Black Stump” to Eva, also other library token. Shopped. Letter from Alys 2nd post. James still wants to be a doctor. Washed my hair, made jam omelette soufflé (after Selfridge’s demonstrator).
Thursday 6th September 1956
Dullish.
3 gas men came to do oven and estimate regulo. To Marks & Spencer‘s and bought skirt 26” waist. Back at 2.30 to change for 28”, 31” length. Rest. Eva came (after buying blue wool dress). Told about James and Education Officer, Coastal Command. To National Film Theatre 6 – 8, “The Grapes of Wrath”, 3/–. Supper 8.30. 3rd talk by Chaudhuri – “A Passage to England”, culture.
Friday 7th September 1956
Dull.
All a.m. at Food Fair, Olympia. Bought cheeses (to give Nellie Moir and Kitty) and Jiffytex 2/6 and Plaskitex 2/9 and talked to King. Eustace Miles’ stall. He gave me 6 soup packets and a jar of Barmene (Sissie). Home at 1.45. Collins meat pasty 8 ½ lunch. “Friends and Relations” St. John Ervine.
Saturday 8th September 1956
Perfect day.
Eva phoned. To Northwood by 11.36. Walk to 12 Grove Road. Lunch with Teddy and Eva. Garden. Apples. At about 2.45 we all drove round to the RAF quarters, to look at number 18. Then I to station. Train and through to Waterloo by 5.50. National Film Theatre “The Southerner”, 2/– land erosion. Sent mortgage document back to Ernest Vernor Miles signed and registered (The Coppice mortgage).
Memo:
4th James to Aldeburgh till 11th.
6th Gas man 9 a.m.
6th “The Grapes of Wrath”, 6. John Ford.
8th “The Southerner” Renoir 2/-.
Menzies came back from Suez talk. Very grave.
Parliament recalled – 13th debate Suez.
Sunday 9th September 1956
Rain. Very dark.
Phoned Teddy and Eva. Out in rain for papers. Read papers. Washed windowsills. Sewed new skirt band. “The Critics”. Washed towel. (Made Norfolk pudding – sliced apples in batter on Saturday the 8th).
Monday 10th September 1956
Dull.
To get Times and to Library and Selfridge’s for Nellie’s mop. Wrote Alys. Packed basket.
Broadway
Tuesday 11th September 1956
Dull. Dark.
Up 6.30. Had to get taxi about 9 (leaving note for Kitty). To Paddington 2/9. Train 9.45 to Moreton-in-Marsh. Nellie Moir met 11.45. Slept all p.m. (after cold chicken and cheese). Tea. Talk. Bed at 9.30. Eggs and tomato ketchup baked in oven.
Wednesday 12th September 1956
Fine, windy.
We walked down village, and in garden. Rest till 4. To Mrs Carey-Gilson’s to tea and garden. Catalogue – Phillips VHF set 30 guineas. Baked soft roes (breadcrumbs on). Eden’s speech in Commons. The Suez Canal Users Association – USA with us.
Government majority – 70 vote of confidence Suez plan.
Thursday 13th September 1956
Fine and warm.
My 77th birthday. Walked alone, to get Manchester Guardian. Wrote lettercard to Eva, and letter to Ernest Miles re. investing £5,100. We sat in garden; Miss Goring came (with Punch’s). Rest till 4. To tea at Fairview with Lucy and Doris. (chicken and ham and jelly lunch, egg and tomato ketchup baked, evening). Times crossword, “News”. Debate on Suez.
London
Friday 14th September 1956
Fine on whole, mild.
With Nellie to Public Library. Packed. Lunch 12. Car 12.30. Nellie came with me to Moreton-in-Marsh. Train 12.55 (8 minutes late) to Paddington. Arrived (4.20) 4.27 late. (Men with Daily Herald – Eden surrenders on Suez). Taxi (2.6 with tip). Bicky. Out for milk. Wrote Nellie, Kitty (lettercard)) and Alys (lettercard). Egg and salad. “Any Questions?”
Saturday 15th September 1956
Fair, but not sunny.
Out for Times. Mrs Kertin cleaned flat 3/6. Cooked frozen cod fillets 1/– and cheese sauce, baked. At 1.15 to Waterloo. National Film Theatre to change seat 18th to 17th and saw “High Noon”, Cary Grant and Grace Kelly 2/– seat, good. Walked back to Charing Cross Road and 1 bus to Baker Street. Play, “Your Brother Still”, Dockey and sabotage.
Memo:
Nellie Moir 3 days this week? 11th to 14th.
9.45 Paddington, Moreton 11.45, 29/–.
Cheque books left little drawer desk – Dorothy Barnard.
16th Alys and Phil, 12 Grove Road.
Sunday 16th September 1956
Fair.
Out for papers and delicatessen shop (open till 12), Unox pork meat. Painted W.C. seat again. Posted postcard to Alys at 12 Grove Road. Sorted old photographs and tore up some duplicates. Rene Cutforth “Six People – Edmond” 17½. “Cicadas”, Nesta Pain. “Time For Verse”, poems, Patric Dickinson – squire and his dog hunt together. “Trenchard”, Sir John Slessor.
Monday 17th September 1956
Fine.
To Library to extend. Cleaned bath with spirits of salt. Eva phoned – Humphey, Welsh terrier puppy 8 weeks). Cleaned and tidied up cushions. At 5 bus to Old Vic; then biscuits and lemon at Festival self-service. At 6 to “Monsieur Verdoux”, National Film Theatre, Charlie Chaplin ‘47 on Landru.
Tuesday 18th September 1956
Fair.
Phoned Alys at 12 Grove Road. Out to Sainsbury’s and Gas Co. Dusted. Man came and did gas leak on stove. Phil came about 4.30. Worried about change of application and plans. No tea. On at 6 to supper with Olive Riggs. Eustace Miles soup and omelette soufflé. Old photo albums all evening.
Wednesday 19th September 1956
Warm, fine.
To shop; and 119 Gloucester Place. Phil came about 12.30. We had lunch at Forté’s. He took Frégate to agents. I to Blennerhassett at 2.30. Walked home. Phoned Phil at Northwood. To Classic, “Clochemerle” 2.9.
Phil and James and Eve to Looe, Instow and Iffley.
Thursday 20th September 1956
Fair, mild.
To Wigmore Street for Times. Alys came, and we had lunch. Rest after, then both to Northwood 3.48 train. Walked up. Saw new Welsh terrier, Humphey, 8 weeks. Perfect. Got papers for Ernest Vernor Miles (stockbroker’s). Back to 119 Bickenhall Mansions by 7.15. Supper. Wrote Ernest Vernor Miles, with list of securities.
Friday 21st September 1956
Dull, rainy p.m.
Shops. Wrote Ernest Vernor Miles letter again, and posted it. Alys came about 6 in rain with suitcases. She stayed night.
Saturday 22nd September 1956
(no weather)
To shops. Alys out too. Both tongue lunch 12.15. To Classic 12.30, “Hobson‘s Choice”, John Mills, Laughton, de Banzie, very good 2/9.
Memo:
17th “Monsieur Verdoux”, National Film Theatre 6.00.
19th 2.30 Blennerhasset.
Phil’s tooth root operation Charing Cross. In on 23rd, operation on 24th.
Sunday 23rd September 1956
Very warm.
Alys phoned Eva. Teddy a cold. To get papers, and extra chicken and peas. 3 times. Lunch 1.30, after phone saying Phil coming and none needed. Phil arrived about 2.30. Read us James‘ journal of their Tour. At 4.30 or so, Phil to Charing Cross Hospital. Alys and I walked down Regent Street – shop windows. Then Cameo Poly Cinema, “Father Brown”, Alec Guinness and “The Wicked Go To Hell”, French.
Monday 24th September 1956
Hot, tiring.
Out for Times and to Sainsbury’s, bacon, sausages and for number 10 to Manchester Square. Alys phoned Charing Cross Hospital at 1. Phil in Louise Ward. Operation at 9.30. At 2.30 I to Library; 119 Gloucester Place; the Cameo Poly Cinema re. lost glasses. To Bruce Green for new ones. To Fern’s, Selfridge’s. Rest. Alys to Civil Service Stores. “Present Laughter”, Gielgud, Nöel Coward.
Tuesday 25th September 1956
Warm, dull.
Out for Times. Alys to shop and lunch Danish Restaurant and to visit Phil in Charing Cross Hospital 3–4. I did up James‘ journal of Tour and took to post. Cleaned bedroom a bit. Alys back and said Phil quite bright and not in pain. “Salvation at Sea”, lifeboat beginning.
Essendon
Wednesday 26th September 1956
Fine.
Net curtain fell down 2 a.m. Packed and bought peppermints. Bus to Kings Cross. 12.21 to Hatfield. Barbara met me, Morris 8. Drove about 4 – 5 miles to Essendon. 26 Glebe Cottages. Kitty there. Lunch, cold bacon and salad. Kitty and I rested. Barbara cut grass. Kitty to W.I. meeting. Cauliflower cheese. Grapefruit with egg in it. Drive around.
Thursday 27th September 1956
Dullish.
Barbara brought breakfast 8 a.m. (eggs). Got up about 9.15. Out with Kitty to Post Office (and general shop). Barbara back to lunch; trays on stools. Barbara very busy all day (District Nurse calls). Veal stew, runner beans (I cut).
London
Friday 28th September 1956
Rain and gale a.m. Fair p.m.
Breakfast in bed – grapefruit and egg. Read “Shaw”, St. John Ervine. Lunch on trays. Corned beef and veal leftovers. Barbara drove me to a Green Line stop, bus 7 to Baker Street 4/4 (2 p.m. till 3). To 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Rang Alys re. Phil (bronchitis). Humphey very ill. Wrote Kitty and Barbara. Phoned Doris Freer, Kingswood Court Hotel SW7.
Saturday 29th September 1956
Fine.
Shopped. “Holiday Rehearsal”. Doris and Sylvia Freer to tea. Alys phoned, Humphrey still very very ill. Stupid play, “The Pacifist”, Henry Arthur Jones. (Berry’s moving things into quarter).
Memo:
24th Phil’s tooth root operation.
2 or 3 days at Essendon this week 26th.
28th to 119 Gloucester Place.
28th Phil’s 43rd birthday.
Security Council discussing Suez.
119 Bickenhall Mansions till 4th.
Sunday 30th September 1956
Fine
Alys phoned 11. Humphey still very ill. All night watching him. Washed things. Got braised beef and peas for lunch. Dr Baker to see Phil again. Ironed. Wrote Nellie Moir (Eva fainted? “Breakdown”, Alys). “Memoir of Mrs Cramp”, Angus Wilson 3rd Programme 10.30.
Monday 1st October 1956
Drenching rain, misty.
Alys phoned. Humphey wagged tail! To Selfridge’s and Faukes. Hair trim, Miss Gladys 3/6 + 6d. Changed to skin! Alys phoned 1, said Phil had slight pneumonia. Went to Austin Reeds for 2 pairs pyjamas and 12 handkerchiefs. Paid £7.11.0 and £3.0.0. “Journey’s End”, R. C. Sherriff. “The Case of Private Hamp”, (deserter).
Tuesday 2nd October 1956
Fair.
Phoned Alys re. sweep and Humphey, very ill again. To shops. No Times, so after lunch (and the electrician to mend iron) to George West’s and got nylon waterproof. Also Copydex 2/– at Selfridge’s. Rest on bed 4 – 5.15. Phoned Lois (sent books to Phil Embleton). Mrs Kertin 3/6. “Stephen Dedalus” from James Joyce. “The Memoirs of Mrs Cramp”.
Wednesday 3rd October 1956
Fine.
At 10.45 to Times Club for Times. Bus on to Museum Street, spectacles £3.10.0. Eustace Miles’ soup and ginger biscuits. Kettle’s polythene 3/– for 3 yards. Home 12.45. Alys phoned. Berry‘s going today. Phil better. I go back tomorrow a.m. “Grantham‘s Outing”. Washed hair. “Stephen Dedalus”, Cyril Cusack (from James Joyce).
Clocks back 6th – 7th.
Thursday 4th October 1956
Fine; thunder in p.m.
Went to 12 Grove Road by 10.51 train. Mrs Hill and I up by Colliver Fisher at 11.30. Alys shopping with BHN. Talked to Phil (in bed). Picked up apples. Made bed. Alys made mushroom omelette for Phil, smoked salmon 1st, yoghurt (he hates) and Ribena. “The Archaeologist – American Archaeology”.
Friday 5th October 1956
Fine.
James cycled over for letter (passed Medical 1). Miss Johnson massaged Phil 10.30. Dr Baker came. Alys met Mrs Hill. Mrs Bearcroft cleaned dining room. I mended chair (Humphey’s bit) and mended Phil‘s pullover. Alys and Phil in Frégate to hospital; for x-ray. Mrs Cooke-Yarborough and Wiz for coffee.
Saturday 6th October 1956
Fine.
Ays to shops in BHN. I phoned Arnold. Picked off dead roses and apples. Phil had Miss Johnson p.m. massage. Talked of covering for Berry’s mattress. Alys and Phil tea in Alys‘ bedroom. Stuck on dust sheet patch with Copydex. BHN to shops 3 – 4. Pyrex dishes. “Morning’s at Seven”, U.S. Cora, Homer.
Memo:
1st Hair trim (Miss Gladys).
2nd Sweep 12 o’clock.
4th Back to 12 Grove Road 10.51.
Sunday 7th October 1956
Fairish.
I covered Berry‘s mattress (Copydex dust sheet). Phil sat in Alys’ room and got tea and supper there. Teddy, Eva, James and Eve came and took away lots of stuff from loft on trailer. Rest p.m. After tea Teddy and James came and took me to their new home, 18 Avior Drive. Saw over it and Humphey, wagging tail.
Monday 8th October 1956
Dull. Drizzly.
Arnold‘s men came 9.15!!! Took Berry‘s bed, and moved Alys’ furniture. Mrs Bearcroft. Alys to shops in Frégate. I walked to pay for Pyrex 4/–, Carey’s. Posted letters. Mrs Hill, mince. In garden. Did flowers. James with Phil. Defrosted Fridge. Dan came re. floor, gate posts, bookcase. Miss Johnson 5. Rest. Grilled herrings.
Tuesday 9th October 1956
Fair. Mild.
Wrote Kitty; and Hearn and Wallis for estimates. Eva came, and in loft. Alys to shops BHN. Dustmen left full bin; In BHN to Council Offices. Mrs Hill, chops. Washed mats. Miss Johnson at 4.30. Rest. Phil down in sitting room, supper and all evening. Talked of 5 star hotels.
Wednesday 10th October 1956
Fair. Mild.
Brett, and Brigeon. Alys to shops in Frégate. Picked up apples and did flowers. Godetia. Mrs Hill cooked leg of lamb and leeks. Miss Johnson 5. I typed Alfred Cowie‘s report Algoma Steel on Phil‘s typewriter. “Horse of the Year Show – International Puissance Jumping”, show jumpers. Miss Anderson.
Ted Williams on Dumbell. Horse of the Year winner. Wilf White and Nizefela 2nd.
12th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 11th October 1956
Very fine.
Alys took BHN. Eva came with laundry. Mrs Bearcroft. Phil had a bath and got up; in garden at 12.45. I walked to Bank, and got grapefruits and diary. Mrs Hill did steak and kidney and celery, very good. Phil felt sick but ate a little. Miss Johnson at 4. Took Cowie letter and talked to Mr Cowie. Pam Riggs and Wiz phoned.
Friday 12th October 1956
Fine.
Alys to shops in Frégate. Phil up and dressed. We sat on veranda. Did flowers and lit Cozy stove. Eva came re. “help”. To 119 Bickenhall Mansions and lunch there, 1.30 Kedgeree. To Library and Bank and Evans and Herbal (No. 10 4/–), and Lewis’ and B.A.A. tea 4.30. Back 6.30. Supper. At 8.30 Classic, Alec Guinness “Kind Hearts and Coronets”, Ducal family and 12 murders, 2/9.
Saturday 13th October 1956
Perfect.
At 8.30 out for milk. Train at 10.2 to Northwood. Colliver Fisher up. Alys at shops BHN. Phil up and on veranda a.m. and p.m. Alys cooked chicken, bread sauce. Walked with Phil to bridge. At 2.30 to Bennett’s in BHN for spinach. To Cook’s (valve sticking). Ironed mats. Rest. Johnson 4.30. Wiz to supper – cold bacon, and chicken, salad, Bruxelles chocolate. “The Devil is Driving”, Bruce Stewart.
Memo:
10th Lois to Ockenden till Monday.
12th B.A.A. 4.30 11 Chandos Street. Tanner on Maundy money.
9th Wrote Hearn, and Wallis.
12th Cozy stove 1st time lit since?
Sunday 14th October 1956
Fine.
Cosy stove in all night. Raker lost? Man came (Lord) re. tree felling. Phil saw him in garden. Alys and Phil walked to post. Miss Johnson 11.30. Eve walked over from Avior Drive to tea. Phil took her back in Frégate. Gilbert Murray “Thoughts on Refugees”. “Poems by Michael Roberts” (1902 – 48), Poems on cats, Newcastle.
Monday 15th October 1956
Fine, warm.
Bucks Laundry. Alys to shops in BHN. In garden with Phil (talked of his weight). I walked to get bread, yoghurt. Dudley Baker at 12.30. Rissoles. Alys to Eva‘s. Phil to have haircut and back. He and Alys to Ruislip (watch sailing). Miss Johnson 4.30. “Miss Mabel”, Sherriff play. Eva brought Alys’ purse. Soused herring. Listened Ted Ray’s “The Spice of Life”, (bad). “Tiger in the Blood”, Lydia Ragosin.
Tuesday 16th October 1956
Dull, drizzle.
Alys at 8.53 (called for by Eva with Eve) to town. Mrs Bearcroft lit Cozy. Phil down by 11. I met Mrs Hill and to Boots. James came. At 12.15 Phil and James to Eva‘s in Frégate and took lunch. I lunch alone, “scraps” with Mrs Hill. Picked up apples. Miss Johnson 4.30. Phil back 4.20, cup of tea. Alys back about 5.30. Fried fillets.
Wednesday 17th October 1956
Rain a.m. Fine p.m.
BHN to get liver. Then Alys in BHN to meet Mrs Hill. Phil not much appetite and “piano”. Dudley Baker about 3.15. Miss Johnson 5. Alys and Phil a walk over both bridges before tea (caravans at Motor Show and policeman on bumper of lady’s car). Queen opening Calder Hall Nuclear Power Station.
19th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Thursday 18th October 1956
Mild. Drizzly.
Mrs Bearcroft came, sitting room. Alys to London 10.50. I got petrol and oil and air, BHN. Met Mrs Hill. Alys back as hadn’t got 119 Bickenhall Mansions’ key. Phil took her to Moor Park and to Eva‘s, and took Eva to station (Alys and Eva to Classic and Chinese Restaurant and Eve to Bicky in evening). Phil and I to Watford – Halfords (Frégate). Miss Johnson 5.45. Spaghetti with extra cheese and tomato. Alys back at 9.30.
Friday 19th October 1956
Fair, mild.
Cozy out; so lit it. Phil down to breakfast in dressing gown. I to Bicky, arriving 12. James came. Ham lunch. To Classic at 12.45. 3/8 for 2 seats (1/10 each), “Great Expectations” with John Mills and Alec Guinness. We walked to High Street Marylebone. James to Lisle Street and back for tea, 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Saturday 20th October 1956
Drizzle and fair.
Up 7:30. Tried for 9.34 but no train till 9.50! Walked up at 10.15. Did flowers. Alys had trouble with steak and kidney pudding. Phil and Alys to shops and Phil on about windscreen wiper. BHN for bananas and Carey’s (Eve’s bag), bought hat, Caroline’s. Rest. Alys with Phil to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Phil evening with Wiz. “The Gorgio Girl”, Allan Prior (gypsy man).
Memo:
16th Northcote Laundry took bundle.
16th Sent 10/– cheque for National Trust, London, 5/– entrance, 5/– annual fee.
18th Eve to BBC, Ted Ray. Alys to Bicky to meet and come back.
19th I take James to Classic, “The Man in the White Suit”.
Poland seeming to be getting away from Moscow control.
Hungary revolts.
24th 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Sunday 21st October 1956
Fair, mild.
Phil tea for breakfast. Teddy and James with trailer to take away things from loft, and Layton wireless. Miss Johnson at 11.30. Read papers and rested. Play, “Look in the Mirror” and Braille. Eve walked here. Phil drove her back. Looked at Phil‘s photo album.
Monday 22nd October 1956
Perfect day.
Alys to shops in Frégate. Then with Phil to have wiper mended. In BHN to meet Mrs Hill. After lunch Phil, Alys and I to Watford to look at lino‘s (Truin’s). On through Ashridge and Hemel Hempstead – lovely colours (trees). Back at 4.30. Read diary 1946 August, September. James to supper and lathe (pawn, chess) and game (L’Attaque). “Mr and Mrs Daventry”, Frank Harris.
Tuesday 23rd October 1956
Fine.
Phil took Alys to station for town. I BHN to Jones’, met Mrs Hill. Eva and James to lunch (Eva, lumbago), sausages and mash. Phil to Dr Baker’s Arthritis clinic. I rested. Phil back 4 and had Complan. Alys back 6. Miss Johnson at 5.15. Haddock.
Wednesday 24th October 1956
Fair and showers p.m.
Brett came. Did Teddy‘s plants up with him. Alys to Page’s and I to 119 Bickenhall Mansions. Lunch 12. To Classic 12.30 “Marty”, very good. Rest. At 4.30 159 bus to Westminster. Walked over bridge. County Hall, 6. General Gruenther for farewell meeting. Selwyn Lloyd and Gaitskill speeches, very good. One by Gruenther. All televised. Interruptions. Back, walked over bridge, lovely. Supper. Slept at 119 Bickenhall Mansions.
Hungarian revolts continuing, anti-Soviet all week.
Israel invades Egypt.
Thursday 25th October 1956
Fair.
Cleaned a bit. 10.37 to Northwood. Alys had gone to London. Mrs Bearcroft and Mrs Hill (walked up). Phil and I had cold mutton and treacle pudding. Phil to Eva‘s. James came (Phil turned “prawns”, chess) on lathe. James rode back on Phil’s cycle. Miss Johnson 4.15. Alys back 5.30. Fried fillets (Mrs Hill) and chips. “The Princess Casamassima”.
Friday 26th October 1956
Fine. Colder.
Phil (and James) to town, Frégate. Phil to Blennerhasset, and lunch with Pam Riggs. Alys shops BHN. Kitty and Barbara to lunch – sirloin, peas, plum and apple and ice cream. Sat on veranda a bit in sun. Phil back at 4 and Buchanan’s away. Hearn phoned, estimate £37. Soup, ham, macaroni cheese.
Saturday 27th October 1956
Fine.
Phil to Dudley Baker’s (Roman Catholic priest). Alys to shops with Phil. I made chocolate mousse. Alys to meet Eve at hairdressers and bought frock. Cold beef, tomato salad. Miss Johnson 2.30. I walked to Boots and for pint of milk. “Letter From Paris”, Henry James, Dodie Smith.
Memo:
23rd Alys 1.30 Cumberland.
24th Gruenther, County Hall 5.45. Main entrance Belvedere Road.
18th Alys and Phil back to Suffolk.
30th Eden announced ultimatum to Egypt and Israel.
Britain and France veto U.S. meeting in Security Council.
31st Our aircraft bomb Cairo!!!!!
Sunday 28th October 1956
Fair, cool
Alys and Phil away in Frégate 11.45 to Ipswich (Alys met by Aldred there, and on to Aldeburgh). Cold potato pie. At 3 I to post and walked on to 18 Avior Drive. All Berry’s there and Humphey. Eva took me back in Rover and collected typewriter. Macaroni cheese.
Monday 29th October 1956
Fine. Cold wind.
Up at 7.30. To Dr Baker for earwax, at 8.15 in BHN. Mrs Bearcroft took up hall mats. Mrs Hall. Got kindling. Sausages. We cleared out cupboards ready for men. To Mrs Griffith‘s re. tree cutting. Called on Mr Cowie re. Algoma. Cleared up kitchen a lot more. Defrosted Fridge.
Tuesday 30th October 1956
Fair, showers.
Up at 7.15. Page’s men arrived at 8.30 (Hawkins and lad). Took up floor (wet rot?) Mrs Bearcroft cleaned my room and gave men tea. In BHN to get bread. Men found £1 note under the Fridge. Wrote lettercard to Alys. Did laundry. Dan came. Cooked macaroni with tomato. Men worked till nearly 6.30.
Wednesday 31st October 1956
Fair.
Up 645. At eight men continued kitchen floor; nearly all now taken up and dry rot cleared out, and re-floored. Brett and I gathered apples. Mrs Bearcroft came. I did up and posted Phil‘s pyjamas and overalls. Nigel took me down. Walked up. (Appalling news of Cairo being bombed by us; uproar in Commons).
