The Adventures of Grace Russ

Grace Enid Baglin's Diary - based on letters (1977-1985)

Friends - who needs them? - 8th March 1977

I got very depressed last week and almost gave my notice in at work, but fortunately for me my boss had just had a row with someone else in the office so that when I went into his office I could feel the vibrations coming off him and decided to wait until Monday - by which time, of course, I felt quite differently about the whole scene. So maybe it was just as well that he had changed from his usual `Winny the Pooh' into a prickly hedgehog. I think it was just the fact that my `lodger', namely Joan, had been getting me down. She talks non-stop and as I have a woman in the office sat opposite who keeps on nattering away all day - even when I am typing she still chats, and I find this makes it very difficult to concentrate on my work; but to go home and have the same situation again is just one too many. Last night for instance, at 11.30 she said "I won't keep you up as I know you have to get up for work in the morning"…. BUT…. the last time I looked at the clock was when I wearily raised my head from my pillow and saw it was 02.10…AND SHE WAS STILL TALKING! I don't know really when she finally gave up as I had dropped off to sleep somewhere mid-sentence. However, last weekend really took the biscuit. As you may - and there again you may not - know, Dennis has a friend in the next block to me and he very often spends the weekend there with John and his wife. Well…. I suppose being so near he must have found out that Joan was living in my flat and we wasn't at all happy about it - naturally! SO…. he came on Saturday and said if I could afford to take in waifs and strays and cranks off the streets I could afford to take him in for a weekend. What fun and games: I had the two of them at each other's throats - each feeling that the other should be the one to get out - and best of all when it came to 01.00 a.m. in the morning there we were arguing who should have the bed! Then I really lost my temper and said `it was my ****** flat, and my ****** bed, and I was****** well going to bed and they could do what the **** they liked'. At least I got some sleep but I don't think either of them did. Still, looking back it was quite an amusing episode, but not so at the time. Still, that's life isn't it? It always seems much more amusing after the event.

My lodger i.e. Joan, disappeared last Friday. I rang Greta today after getting no reply from Jim, and Greta said Joan had rung last night to tell them that the place she was going to in Orpington had just rung up and said they had changed their mind. So she is back to square one it seems. Meanwhile she is staying at a Boarding House somewhere in Bromley and all her gear is packed in my downstairs room! I don't know when she will come to get this and it pongs a bit as half of it is the stuff she buys in jumble sales to sell on her stall in the market - and some of the old second-hand cloths are none too clean. When she went on Friday she didn't say `Goodbye' or `Thanks' or anything. She just wasn't there when I got home, and I haven't seen or heard from her since. She just walked out in what she stood up in and took her handbag and dog and left all the rest! A bit of a cheek really isn't it.

To The Auction - 19th August 1977

I thought you might be a bit worried about me yesterday, and so to prove I am a `good and dutiful daughter' I am letting you know at once that I am all right, and that I HAVE NOT be a `naughty girl'. Well - only a wee bit - by playing truant from the office. But, as usual in my case it backfired on me. (Do you remember the tooth I had out in Reading? And the pint of Blood I gave at the Donor Session in Moorgate? - And all the other incidents of similar ilk?). Well, as I particularly wanted to go to one of the big Auction Rooms in London, and as this would probably be my last chance to go to one, I arranged with a girl in the office to tell my boss on Thursday morning that I had rung up to say I was `not well' and had `a funny tummy'. And would you believe it, when I woke up yesterday I really wasn't well, and I really DID have a funny tummy? (I could see that old typist in the sky wagging his carriage-return finger at me and saying "That's what you get for telling lies!). Anyway, well padded up, and with a spare toilet roll in my bag, I set forth to meet Jim at Orpington Station at 9.30 and we caught the next train to Charring Cross where he introduced me to Mike Glukchick? (I don't know how to spell it, but that was how he pronounced it). This Mike is the father of the boy who has been held recently in the Ukraine. There is still no news of his son and Mike said he feels he will never see him again. Mike came from the Ukraine himself some 30 years ago as a refugee, and he told me that he pleaded with his boy not to go there for his holiday, but his son just said "Oh Dad you are so old fashioned, all those things happened 30 years ago and it is all changed now". Mike had a good business going in Canada which he build up after leaving the Ukraine, and it was in Canada that he met his English wife (the boy's mother), but she became homesick and wanted to come back to England after they were married, so he sold up and started up another business in Greenwich and he also worked nights at Farnborough Engineering (that was where he first met Jim) but his wife never really settled down and finally left him and the boy. He eventually married again, this time to a Polish girl, and apparently had quite some difficulty in getting her out of Poland in the first place. He made us laugh when Jim asked him how his second wife was going on, and with a saucy twinkle in his eye Mike said, "She no ****** good either - will have to send her back to Poland". He works on No. 4 gate at Charring Cross Station as a ticket collector now, and when we came through yesterday morning he greeted Jim as if he were his long lost brother. "Ah Jimmy" he said, beaming all over his face, "How are you my old friend? It is a long time since we met. We must go have a coffee, yes?" So we all went off together for half an hour and had a most interesting chat and a coffee (I did wonder if it was his tea-break, or if, like me, he was just playing truant for a while, but I didn't ask him). Anyway, my first impression was that he was a nice man, genuine type etc, but I have discovered from past experience that you have to know someone for a period of time before you can really say that about anyone (I do, anyway).

The Big Auction - 23rd August 1977

However, I was telling you about my day out on Thursday. It was really a pleasant `fun' day. After we left Mike at Charring Cross we went over to the Sale Room and `viewed' the ceramics which were coming up for auction at 2pm. There were some really beautiful things there, and some that looked nothing in particular, and it was surprising when later in the day some of the things I thought didn't look like much fetched quite a high price. I think the most attractive items were a set of none plates with portraits of `young maidens' (the catalogue description) painted on them and signed by various people, a few of them were signed by Wagner. These raised over £1 000 in the auction.

After the `viewing', Jim and I went over to have some lunch, but the café was closed for the holidays and so we had a pork pie and beer in the pub. He was concerned about being in the front as he is a bit hard of hearing, and so we went back to the Sale Room about 1.30 and managed to get two seats in the front row, They are doing some alterations to the place and there was a huge rostrum in front of us which looked like a Builder's hoarding as it was three large pieces of wood (unpainted) - a front and two sides in the shape (roughly) of a boomerang. Anyway, we sat there for a while chatting away in muted whispers as it we were in a Church, when suddenly the Auctioneer and his assistant appeared on the rostrum; which gave me the chuckles as from our front seats all we could see at first was their head and shoulders, and I said to Jim "You didn't tell me there was going to be a Punch & Judy act as well", which gave him the chuckles too, but we soon quietened down when the Auction proper started. Indeed I was kept quite busy marking off the prices in the catalogue. Jim's four pieces fetched over £300.

After the sale we were on our way to the bus stop when a Japanese chappie came up and asked us for No. 1 - I thought he was referring to a bus, but he spoke very little English and pulled out a phrase book and pointed to something which Jim said looked like `Departmental' (but as his eyesight is almost as bad as his hearing I didn't feel too confident about it). Anyway, Jim did his `Sherlock Holmes' but and decided that this Japanese wanted to know how to get to London's No. 1 Departmental Store, which he said must be Harrods. Having solved that problem he then started to try to explain how to get there, but as we weren't sure of our own whereabouts at that time it was rather difficult. However, undaunted, Jim asked a passing `Lady' if she could help; unfortunately she happened to be a German but nevertheless had quite a good command of the English language and seemed only too willing to help. However, the little Japanese guessed that we were trying to elicit help and came up close to the woman to try to grasp what she was saying; but as she thought it was Jim who wanted to know, and had no idea the Japanese was in our company, albeit, temporarily, she kept turning her back on the Japanese. I think it was at about this point that I began to feel the hysterical chuckles gurgling away inside me and I know that if these three kept up their weird dancing and prancing on the pavement I wouldn't be able to control my laughter too long. It was SUCH a funny sight. In the end she though it would be best if we got the tube, so we trooped across the road and over three sets of traffic lights to the nearest tube station. We finally arrived at the tube station. We must have looked quite an amusing sight when you think about it. Firstly there was me (and you know what I look like), then Jim, the same as usual with his long hair looking as if it could do with a wash and cut, and as he had been painting his kitchen the night before and only has the one pair of trousers, his trousers were spot marked with white paint, but he did have a fairly decent jacket on the top. His bright red socks and suede shoes just about finished him off. The little Japanese was quite tidy looking, but he was SO TINY, against Jim and myself he seemed more like a little boy , and the fact that he kept running along beside us with quick little steps, and kept looking up into our faces to see what we were saying (or trying to UNDERSTAND what we were saying), made our little threesome into quite a comedy tableau. Being quite bright, we soon discovered that the tickets would cost 15p each, but although every other machine was in good order, the 15p machine was broken down, so we joined the queue at the ticket office. However, Jim had donned his `Sherlock Holmes' cap once again and found out that there was quite a delay on the tubes owing to the flooding of some of the network the night before during the heavy rainstorm…. So he decided that perhaps it would be better after all if we got a bus instead of a tube. Once again our little trio ventured forth back across the road and over the three sets of traffic lights to the nearest bus stop. I must admit that I began to admire the little Japanese fellow for his great forbearance, as I was by this time getting quite confused and I am sure he must have been even more so, but he didn't show it, bless his little cotton socks, in fact he behaved as if he had every confidence in Jim - which is more than I did. We eventually got on a but, which I am certain by pure chance - you know, one of those once in a lifetime flukes, actually did go past Harrods. When you consider that we didn't even know if we were waiting on the right side of the road and could easily have been going in the opposite direction, this was indeed a miracle. We put our new found friend off at Harrods and wished him `Farewell' etc., and he in turn gave us a very friendly grin and bowed as if we were Royalty, and also wished us farewell in Japanese (at least I THINK he was wishing us farewell!). Jim and I then went on to Victoria and caught a train straight back to Orpington where I had ten minutes to wait for my but, and he got a taxi almost immediately. When I spoke to Greta on Friday night and thanked her for `lending' me her husband for the day on Thursday, she thanked me fro sending him home so early and sober! She said she wished he would behave like that more often.

The Intruder - 23rd August 1977

A most unusual thing happened last night. Well, although S.S.Squeak loves Fred (the cat), Fred has never really been too keen on S.S. However, they get on OK together just as long as SS doesn't flaunt herself too much in front of Fred. Now to get to the `unusual' bit, a few weeks ago I noticed a black and white cat on the balcony. It has been there several times since, but never when Fred is around, so I naturally assumed that Fred wouldn't come in until this new intruder had gone away. Well, last night I opened the balcony door when I heard Fred's meow and in she walked, closely followed by the black and white cat. They seemed to be on the best of terms and Fred didn't worry at all about him being in there, but she did `his' at SS in passing. SS Squeak, of course, decided she didn't like this new intruder at all and was most rude to him, `hissing' and `glaring' as if she owned the place - shades of Dennis? So for a while I had three cants in my living room, and I must admit I could see the funny site of the situation. There was Fred `hissing' at SS and SS in turn `hissing' at the black and white cat, but completely ignoring Fred (which I am sure only aggravates Fred all the more). The black and white cat meanwhile ignored both Fred and SS and just got down to pinching the food I had previously put down for them. By the time they, and myself, realised what was happening he had gulped down most of it!

Farewell Party - 23rd September 1977

I have been invited to a `Farewell' party by Jim and Greta tomorrow, actually I think it is Jim's brain child, but it sounds quite fun. He rang me up the other day to invite me and said he had an overdraft with the Bank for the last two years as he had fallen on hard times, and that he had `phoned the Bank Manager and asked if he could have an increase in the overdraft in order to buy drink and `goodies' for a friend who was leaving the United Kingdom and emigrating all the way to Bristol, for a party him and his wife were giving for this friend. He also said he invited the Bank Manager to the party. Among the other guests apparently are an undertaker called Mick (I told him to tell this Mick to bring his tape measure and I would give him an order!), and a reporter from the Observer. Jim has made the cupboard, which was under the stairs into a bar by removing the door, and panelling and painting a sign, which he said, is now hanging on the side of the stairs and which reads `JIM'S INN'. I shall probably spend quite a lot of time hiding in the kitchen with Greta, but hope to enjoy myself nevertheless.

No Fixed Abode -26th October 1978

I had a reasonable journey up on Monday, although the train was very late getting in to Paddington due to a `freight incident' somewhere along the line. It was 10.20 when I arrived in the office! Nearly an hour late on my very first day! I had quite a journey on the tube with my huge suitcase and two bags, plus my handbag. The case belongs to Arthur and is a real giant expanding one that would be impossible for me to carry so I borrowed some wheels from Arthur to tow it on. You just hook the handle on and pull, which means that the suitcase is sideways across, if you know what I mean. This is most definitely NOT suitable for the rush hour tube traveller and by the time I eventually arrived at the office I was a wee bit exhausted. They have double glass swing doors and the only way I could get in was to barge through at speed with the suitcase travelling at about 30mph behind me - so you might say I made rather a dramatic entrance! The first words I heard clearly above the general hub-hub of various versions of "what the hell was that?" were "Hello Fatso, do you want a coffee?" I knew then that I was back home. It is most strange really; I have slotted back into my little niche without any bother and find I am not really out of touch with anything. It is just like coming back after a holiday - picking up just where I left off - Great. My boss asked how I was fixed for money and said if I got into any difficulties to let him know and he would fix me up.

On Friday 20th October someone called Gillespies in response to my advert, and left his name and telephone number. Dennis (not the same Dennis as referred to previously) rang me in the Lord Mayor's Office (that's where I was working while living in Bristol) to tell me I had a nibble and that the chappie was ringing back again on Monday at 9.45am. However, as you know, on Monday I was late in and when he rang I had not arrived so he said he would ring again later in the day, which he did, and we made an arrangement to meet at Manor Park Station, North London, that evening at 6.45pm as he said he had a nice flat to offer me at only £13.50 per week, which is less than I was paying for my flat in Orpington (when I was last working in London - Over a year ago). So naturally I was very keen to snap up this bargain and turned up promptly at Manor Park Station at 6.45 to be met by the Estate Agent who said his name was Glen Hedley and who gave me one of his business cards, all nicely printed with his name and telephone number and the name of the firm, Central Estate Agencies - established since 1950.

He said the flat he was going to show me was over a shop but that as he had forgotten to warn the shop owners that he was bringing someone to view we couldn't get in as the shutters were down and he didn't have a key for the wicket gate. However, he said he had another flat which was just as nice but which was even cheaper which I could have a look at if I wanted and off we went to Forest Gate, just up the road, to view this second flat. It was lovely, a large lounge with a bedroom going off and the bathroom going off the bedroom. The kitchen let off the lounge and just inside the front door there was a separate toilet. Both the toilet and the bathroom and kitchen were tiled from floor to ceiling and the whole place was carpeted throughout and there were curtains up at the windows. The windows in the lounge were very nice circular, or rather a semicircular bay. It was unfurnished apart from two easy chairs and the whole of one wall was fitted with a built in unit - Very nice indeed. We had to view this all by torchlight as he said the electricity had been turned off when the last tenants moved out. He asked if I liked it and said I could have it for only £13.25 per week with just two weeks money in advance. A dream! Too good to be true! I asked why, when accommodation was so very scarce in London, he still had this flat available as one would expect it to be snapped up at that price. He said it hadn't been advertised because the phones would have been ringing non-stop in the office and that they selected suitable tenants from the `Flats Wanted' ads, rather than have the nuisance of answering the phone to enquirers all the time. Sounds feasible I suppose. Anyway, I agreed to take the flat and he gave me the keys on the way back to his car but said I should ring up the office the next day and speak to a Mrs Martin and tell her I had seen the flat and had accepted it on the agreed terms. Mrs Martin would then tell me where I could pay the rent etc., but that meantime I could move in as soon as I liked. If I hadn't already booked in for Bed and Breakfast I might have been tempted to stay there overnight and doss down in the two easy chairs, but as I had already sent off a deposit to the other place I decided to go there at least for one night and see about this new flat the next day. Just as well I did as it turned out.

This Mr Hedley was kind enough to take me back to Liverpool Street Station where I had left my large suitcase and bags prior to going off to Manor Park Station, and then took me and my luggage over to London Bridge Station where I caught the 9.59pm train to Eltham Park. When I got off the train I discovered I had to go up some stairs and across a bridge and down some stairs to the opposite platform to get out. If it hadn't been for a kind old gentleman helping me with the suitcase I would still be there yet but although he was quite elderly, must have been about 70ish, he insisted on pulling my case on wheels right up to my lodgings, where we arrived at about 10.45pm much to the relief of the owner as she was wondering what had happened to me.

The next day I duly rang the office at 9.45am as I was told to do by Mr Hedley, but got no reply. I tried on several occasions through the day and although at times it was engaged, never once did anyone answer when the phone rang. This puzzled me but I thought maybe it was their phone out of order and was all set to go down that evening to see what it was like again but Dick advised me not to go down alone as he said it seemed a bit fishy to him and he suggested I go along to the Police Station and inform them I was going to the flat, just in case there was something wrong. I though he was being a bit over dramatic about the whole thing and went off to Liverpool Street Station to get the train down, then thought maybe it was a bit unwise, and by then I had developed an uneasy feeling about the whole thing myself too. So I went into Bishopsgate Police Station, which is opposite Liverpool Street Railway Station, and told them of my intention. They suggested I go along to Forest Gate Police Station as the flat was `on their Patch' and this I did.

The Policeman on duty took the card and tried the number and then got onto the GPO and after quite a wait they came back with the information that the number given was a public call box in Stratford! This made the copper more than a bit suspicious and we went in his Panda Car down the road to the flat where he tried the keys I had been given and found that although they fitted the lock they wouldn't turn - so I wouldn't have been able to get in anyway. However, he rang the bell for the other flats and got someone down to open the main front door. We then went down to the flat I had been shown round but before going in I was asked to describe it, which I was able to do without any difficulty of course. By this time, both the policeman and the other tenant were getting worried because they realised that someone, somewhere, had a key to enter the flat, and the policeman told the tenant to get the front door lock changed `first thin in the morning - pronto'. He also him who the flat belonged to and was told it belonged to the Council but that it had been on sale through local Estate Agent in Stratford. He knew where the Estate Agent was but couldn't remember the name. So…. Grace went for another little ride in the Panda Car to Stratford where we discovered the said Estate Agent's Office, Charles Living & Son. All this was duly noted in the copper's little notebook - yes, they really do have one! He then took my present address and telephone number at work and said he wanted to keep the card the man had given me as he wanted to make some more enquiries, but also said I could keep the keys I had been given, as a memento, but not to lose them in case they were ever needed in the future. He was of the opinion that I had a very lucky escape and was glad I hadn't actually paid any money over to the man. I told him he didn't seem to want any money, which does sound a bit strange I must admit. So now it is in the hands of the police and they said I would hear if anything came of it, but that if, by any chance Mr Hedley contacted me again I was to make an arrangement to meet him in the evening somewhere and then let Forest Gate Police Station know and they would tell me what to do, but I said that having given me false keys to the flat he was most unlikely to contact me again.

Guardian Angel - 27th October

Here we are again. Nothing else of any import has happened since I last wrote, but thinking about the flat incident, I do feel that the policeman was right and that I did have a lucky escape. Maybe if I had been a younger person or a different type of woman? I may have fond myself in real trouble, but as it was I lost neither my money nor anything else! I reckon my Guardian Angel is growing ulcers the size of ping-pong balls up there working so hard to look after me. I have a cute little picture of him (remember my little pictures?) I can see him just over a year ago going to the Chief Guardian Angel and saying "Look `ere Guv, I need a rest - even a 2nd class Guardian Angel can break up under too much work load you know and I need a holiday now or I wont answer for the consequences". I can see the worried look come over the Chief's face as he looks up my record and ponders on the situation and studies the nervous twitch that affects my personal 2nd class Guardian Angel every few seconds. Then I can see hem write out a chitty placing my Guardian Angel on top priority for a long holiday - on medical grounds - and I shouldn't be at all surprised if it wasn't then engineered for me to go to Bristol for a year, where it is all quiet, uneventful and dull, so that my Guardian Angel could have a compete break and recuperate. As a sequel to that I can now see my Guardian Angel writing out a Private and Confidential note to his Chief on which he has scrawled in a nervous hand, in block capital letters "REQUEST IMMEDIATE TRANSFER" because after a year relaxing with hardly anything to do in Bristol he must be aching all over his little body with the stress and strain of the last few days since I have been back. We are probably both scanning the `Want Ads' together, me for a bed-sit and him for a replacement calm, safe person to look after. Poor chap!

Rail Strike - 29th January 1979

I am still at my temporary haven of rest at Eltham Park. I am quite comfortable there and get on very well with the `Lady of the House' so have had no reason to move on as yet.

What about the weather lately eh? What a good job I have some Eskimo in my blood or I would never have survived! I found I have lost the skill for igloo making though - Still, I suppose with a bit more practice it might come back? I have been wandering around wearing my normal clothing, plus my trousers; a think cardigan; my winter boots; my fur hat; scarf; gloves and fur coat, and I have kept as warm as toast - In fact sometimes I have felt almost too warm and my butter has started to melt!

During the rail strike last week and the week before, the Bank put on special coaches for us. This meant an early morning start, as I had to get the coach at 7.30am. Out of the four days they ran, I only missed it once - the last day. Not a bad average for me. I quite enjoyed the journey into the office on that day. I went down to get the coach as usual and arrived at 7.40 - just in time to see it pull away - so waving goodbye to my colleagues as they all disappeared into the rising sun I turned on my heel and went back and enjoyed a good breakfast, after which Mrs Waddingham very kindly gave me a lift into Sidcup where I hoped to pick up a 21 bus straight through to Moorgate. However, because of the rail strike there was so much extra traffic on the road and this caused a really heavy traffic jam in the Old Kent Road so that the earlier 21s that had gone up to London were held up and weren't getting back. I had to wait almost an hour for a bus, and when it did eventually turn up it was only going as far as Lewisham. The rest of the queue, all tinkling like a chandelier with the icicles hanging from various points of their anatomy, and me, now like a lukewarm piece of toast, all climbed aboard and spent most of the journey to Lewisham exchanging topical jokes and having a good laugh. When we arrived at our destination I followed the crowed around the corner and we all lined up at another bus stop. After ten minutes or so a single-decker Green Line bus pulled up, the driver looking wide eyed with fear when he saw the multitude waiting to pile on his little bus. As soon as he opened the door a woman at the front jumped on and said "This is a Hijack, take us to the Elephant" (Elephant and Castle). As it happened, the bus was going to Victoria and went past the Elephant anyway, so we were all right. From the Elephant I caught a tube straight through on the Northern Line to Moorgate, arriving at the office at 11.57. It had cost me 33p from Sidcup to Lewisham, another 33p from Lewisham to the Elephant and 25p on the tube to Moorgate - totalling…. let me see…. just talk among yourselves while I work this out a minute…33p and 33p is 66p right? And 25p added on to that is 91p. Right? Well, it cost me 91p to get into the office that day because I missed the coach but I was able to claim it back from the firm as `Expenses incurred due to the rail strike'!

One thing I did notice about that morning travelling up to London was the Wartime spirit that seemed to abound everywhere. People all being in the boat were `mucking in together' and telling jokes and even at one stage having a singsong. Yes, I really did enjoy travelling up that day, even more than usual.

Keep Your Distance -21st February 1979

We had a new guest staying with us last week by the name of Josie. She originally came for a three-week stay until her flat was ready but as things went ahead more rapidly than was expected she was only with us for one week. She is an Accountant and works in an office in Clerkenwell Road, which is the same road as M.I. Walters (my office cleaning job). During the week I didn't get too involved with her as she started off the week by telling me she was waiting for a flat and that she was thinking of sharing it with a `suitable person' if she found the up-keep too much, and after my previous experiences with various folk I didn't want to be the `suitable person' she was thinking of. However, on Friday night she knocked on my door at about 11.30pm and started to talk, the result being I was transported across the landing to her room to `watch the film' but in actual fact I didn't see much of it as she was chatting all the time - about her problems! I shall be glad when I change my glasses, as this pair obviously must remind people of Marje Proops! Anyway, I stayed with her until 1.00am and then went back to my room. She had told me she was leaving the next morning and just wanted to get to know me before she left. After breakfast the next morning we were still sitting round the table and chatting then Mrs Waddingham came in and said "Would you stand up a minute please Josie" - which she did, looking a wee bit surprised, and when Mrs Waddingham in that very serious and authoritive voice asked her to "jump up and down a few time" she looked even more puzzled, but nevertheless complied. After which Mrs Waddingham, still sounding perfectly normal and serious said, "It's all right dear, I'm just checking for the silver". We all doubled up and head a good laugh and I asked her what she would do if I were leaving, to which she replied "Oh! I would put a metal detector over you".

The Wedding - 24th May 1979

I am now suffering the penalty for such a good holiday the other week. I had such a large advance on my salary to cover expenses of the holiday and the car etc., that when I was paid yesterday I only had £99.17 to come! I have to go another three weeks yet before I can get another sub, and I have to pay three weeks rent and three weeks rail-fare out of that. At £30 per week for the two I work it out that I have about £9.17 left for food and spending for the next three weeks! What a good job I have my cleaning job to fall back on. That £15 per week should just about see me through - if I go very steady. Still, I am not complaining, I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and the wedding rounded the week off very nicely.

I rang around to about six or seven different hire firms for a car before we came down, the average rental for 10 days being £120/£130 - we finally decided to hire an old banger from `Ron's Rent A Wreck' for £52 plus £6 insurance. It handled quite well but the tyres were on the legal limit and I'm glad we managed to get through the week without being stopped. We drove down on the Saturday afternoon - a week before the wedding - and it was the first time I have been able to drive down without getting lost in London. Alan did most of the driving once we were in Bristol and we went off somewhere different every day.

On the Sunday we went down to Eastville Market and got a few bargains, and then went from there to see Iva's sister-in-law's grave at Kingswood Church, and then as we were in the next street we popped round on the hop to see Arthur and Helen (and the cats!).

On Monday we went to Burnham-on-sea. We intended going to Weston when we started out but took the wrong turning and decided to carry on to Burnham. It was very nice down there - a bit windy, but quite pleasant.

Tuesday we went to Bristol Zoo. It was lovely to see and smell all the animals; they each have a peculiar pong all of their own, which I like. We saw the sea lions being fed. They move very fast in the water don't they? When we were looking at the white tigers and the lions etc., I couldn't resist standing by the fence saying `Puss Puss'. Mind you I think one of those on the bed would make your foot go to sleet!

Wednesday I went to buy my outfit for the wedding and later went into the Council Offices to see some of my old mates. I had only intended stopping for an hour or so there and then going on up to the museum, but as it turned out I was still there at 6pm chatting to the Commissionaire. I was `honoured' to be able to go to the canteen for lunch with Audrey and Monica and had quite a nice meal there. Then the rest of the afternoon was spent wandering around having a chat with various people I had got to know during my brief sojourn in the Council House. It was nice to go back, and I was surprised I was made so welcome, but I still prefer life n London. I then went off to the Wimpy in Park Street for a meal with Audrey who later took me to Helen's house where I was to meet the others.

Thursday was a great day. We went to Wookey Hole Caves. It was the only day we had rain but that didn't matter as we were inside in the caves and the Mill. It was really interesting and I think the caves are nicer than the ones at Cheddar.
On Thursday evening I visited Jezebel (S.S. Squeak's kitten) who lives quite happily with her foster parents, Sue & David at Fishponds. What a credit she is to them too; very elegant and well behaved (when I was there anyway) and very pretty. I am sure Squeaky would be very proud of her. Such a lady up to Tony, who is a reincarnation of Tiptoes and Tiger, rolled into one. A lovely cuddly daft cat with a sense of fun, a proper boy! I like him, but don't tell him or it will only make him big headed!

Friday we went to Slimbridge. This was anther great day too and was well worth the visit. It is the first time I had actually been there. Arthur had gone with his school when we lived at Uley and had been full of enthusiasm about it so that one weekend we almost went. Ernie drove us as far as the gate but when he found we had to pay to go in he turned around and went back home! Philistine!

On Friday night I rushed round to see Auntie Edie and Auntie Ivy and then on up to Arthur's to see him before he set out on his `future life'.

Saturday of course was the wedding. It was a very nice wedding and Helen looked so nice. I almost got `all emotional' during the ceremony! Afterwards we had a very nice meal at the Hotel for the Reception. After all the bad weather it turned out to be a really nice day for them and lots of photos were taken. Adrian and Jonathon were very well behaved too. I think even Alan and Iva were a bit surprised how well they behaved. They didn't think they would go running berserk exactly, but it was a long day for them considering they are only 4yrs and 2yrs old. I think my `cousin Russell' helped a lot at the reception by keeping Johnny amused etc.

Mum had been away on holiday at Paignton during the week previous to the wedding and she was not at all well, but nevertheless was determined to go to the actual wedding and reception and seemed to enjoy both of them, but once we got home she more or less collapsed and we left her in bed sleeping when we went to the evening party at Filton. This was very good too, but mum would never have been able to stand the noise and the smoke.
We went over to Arthur & Helen's on Sunday afternoon before coming back to London. They really had a house warming there with all their relations. They all seem a friendly crowd too, which is nice.

Eye of a Needle - 20th September 1979

When I got home last night I decided I would wear my green blouse today but remembered that a button was off the cuff - then decided I would sew it on this morning. However, this morning I got the blouse out and then couldn't remember where I had put the button (it came off ages ago) but eventually I found it…. in my handbag! And so got a needle and cotton, which I tried to thread! I tried with my glasses ON, then with my glasses OFF, but it seemed to be a joke needle with the eye all blocked up. I was getting more and more steamed up and only after I said some very crushing and very wicked swear words did the cotton go through the eye…. by which time I had lost the button again! After a bit of searching (it had been knocked off the dressing table and was hiding under my bed) I recovered the button - and then couldn't find the needle and cotton! In sheer and utter exasperation I sat down on my bed to think about the problem…. and found the needle (I still have the mark on my buttocks to prove it!). This time I was VERY careful NOT to let the button out of my sight and duly sewed it on. The whole process had taken me 27 minutes exactly (the 7.30 News was starting on the radio when I first got the blouse out of the cupboard and as I broke the cotton after sewing it on they announced the time as 3 minutes to 8). It was only when I went to do the button up a few seconds later I discovered I had sewn it on the wrong side, so it does up inside instead of outside! I couldn't believe it - but no way was I going to go through all that again so I just left it as it was. When I told Mrs Waddingham at breakfast she thought it was hilarious and nearly dropped the dishes she was laughing so much. I had phoned her yesterday to ask her something but she was out and her husband asked me to phone again in ten minutes, but all through the rest of the day the phone was permanently engaged - I thought Mr Waddingham hadn't replaced the receiver correctly, but this morning she said there is a fault on the line. She said it was working perfectly until I rang up and said it seemed that even by proxy I was able to put a jinx on things! So I thought it was not the best time to mention my third leg or the lamp - WELL -

My Third Leg - 21st September 1979

WELL - it was some weeks ago now. At breakfast one Saturday Dennis (the librarian - yet another Dennis!) asked me if I had a suitcase he could borrow as he was `taking a Young Lady to Brighton for the weekend'. I told him I didn't have a suitcase but did have a holdall if that would do so he said he would borrow that. After breakfast we all retired to our rooms and Dennis ran a bath and asked me if he could borrow some bath salts "as I want to smell nice" he said. I only had Lily of the Valley Bath Oil but he said that would do so borrowed that. I joked with him about his `dirty weekend' and said it was all right for some and that I would think of him that night when I only had my Penguin to cuddle, and just after he had got into the bath he shouted out to ask me if I would like to go in and scrub his back, but before I could say `yea' `nay' or otherwise John, who is deaf and whose room is directly opposite the bathroom came out and walked straight into the bathroom where Dennis nearly died a thousands deaths thinking it was me taking him up on his offer! Poor John was most confused - he rushed out quite wet where Dennis had splashed him, and when I explained to John he had a good laugh and said "It serves him jolly well right". Well, after Dennis had finished his bath he came into my room to ask if he could borrow some deodorant for under his arms and while I was getting this he sat on the end of my bed and the leg snapped! I had already broken two legs off the other end myself. He said he would mend it for me when he got back from Brighton but I told him he might not have the strength then! He did eventually fix it for me but it is still rather wobbly and wont last all that long. My mother said to me once, in a moment of sheer exasperation "You don't need a house, only a hutch" and I think there must be some truth in that (move over there bunny).

As for the lamp…. well, I have a reading lamp on the shelf behind my bed with the switch just below at ground level. The other night I woke up and wanted to see the time and must have caught my arm in the flex or something because the next thing I know the lamp was on top of me and as I went to catch hold of it, it slipped and ended up on the floor - and with a little `pop' the light went out - so I am hoping it is just the bulb that has gone and not the whole lamp fused or something.

Cat-A-Strophic - 18th November 1981

Last Saturday week I went to the Cat Show at Olympia. I enjoyed it very much and spent several hours just wandering around looking at all the various cats. There was a demonstration during the afternoon. A man was up on the balcony with a megaphone and he suddenly shouted, "Do all you cat lovers here know that one of the judges here today breeds cats specially for vivisection". There was about a two second deathly hush, then all hell let loose, with people throwing leaflets down from the balcony and others shouting. A couple of people got kicked and there was a punch-up. It was all very exciting and interesting being right in the middle of it yet not actually a part of it. I bought myself a lovely, real leather, handbag (well, shoulder bag actually) - I saw a stall with all these handbags on, most of them with cats on the front, and went over to have a look. This was, of course, my undoing! As soon as I spotted one with `Fred' on it I was hooked. I said to the man, "I haven't got enough money to buy this bag now, but I really would like to have it so could you let me have your name and address so that when I get paid at the end of the month I can send you the money and you can post it on to me" but, to my utter surprise, the mad said "Why not take the bag now, then when you get paid just send me the money, that way you will save yourself a lot of postage". So that is what I did, but how trusting of him.

Grace…. gone with the wind – Easter 1982

Anyway, I have already got myself into yet another situation - through not `owning up' - so, in for a penny…. etc.,

To explain, yesterday I over indulged in garlic! Garlic in my poached egg (which broke so turned out `scrambled' egg) in the morning; garlic and liver sausage with gherkin roll for my lunch; garlic liberally sprinkled in my evening meal of soup. The result, this morning I was greatly troubled with…. how can I put it? …. Um, er! Ah Flatulence? In other words, `Wind'…. of the most horrific and diabolical kind ever produced upon this earth!

It started off in the train early this morning but I got out of that quite easily by simply `glaring' at the man opposite until he became a bright red, then everyone else looked at him as the thought he was the culprit (I am a horrid bitch!).

Then, first thing this morning I had a lot of photocopying to do in the office and was quite content in the corner on my own until one of the Directors came along to take a copy of something, just seconds after another silent explosion had taken place. What could I do? He said nothing of course, but popped his head round the nearest office door, sniffed, and remarked he wondered where the `sulphur' smell was coming from! After that, each time anyone came near me I also remarked upon this peculiar `sulphur' smell and must have overdone it as before I knew what had happened we had the Engineers in…. looking for this peculiar `sulphur' smell. They have had the machine switched off, causing a great deal of inconvenience, they have been `inspecting' the air conditioning and the latest news is a rumour that someone may have to come in over the Easter weekend to take carpets up! …Oh! IF ONLY I had owned up in the first place, but it has now gone too far to say anything and my best bet is to keep my mouth shut and my fingers crossed!

How does that saying go? …Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive…. Several Directors are hovering around - still commenting on this `sulphur' smell and remarking how peculiar it is they haven't noticed it this afternoon and that perhaps, with a bit of luck the Engineers may have discovered it this morning and rectified it. Signing off - as…. GRACE…. gone with the wind! P.S. Even the dog won't speak to me!

Light’s Out – Watch Out - 27th April 1982

I am taking myself to the Theatre tonight, as a special birthday treat, to the Savoy to see a Comedy `Noises Off’. Last Saturday I went to a Barn Dance in the Church next door to me and on Sunday went to Woolwich Town Hall to a Concert given by the Royal Artillery Orchestra – Very Good. This Sunday I am going to the TV Studios at Teddington to watch the recording of a TV Comedy `Keep It In The Family’. In June I am going to the Cutty Sark for a musical programme to be held in the hold of the Cutty Sark. Should be good.

Was offered a young kid last week, a Billy goat, was very tempted but thought better of it. Just as well, as yesterday I received a letter from the Housing Trust saying they are setting up a new Tenancy Agreement and that tenants can only have animals with the prior consent of the Trust and also that tenants with gardens must keep them in good order! Don’t like the sound of that. Must get a light bulb for the bedroom. Last night I stepped on the dog and knelt on one of the cats (it was on the bed). Neither was pleased with the experience as you can imagine and I made a mental note that next time I have a new animal it will have to be WHITE as the black ones don’t show up when the light bulb goes!

April 27th 1982 – 49 today

One year to go to reach my half-century! Had lots of cards in Office. I have the same birthday as Elaine – Strange – four Secretaries on my floor and two sets of birthday twins, as Maxine & Julia share the same birthday in December.

Phoned from office to book Theatre seat to “treat” myself. Ended up with an £8 a stall at The Savoy – the play is a Comedy called “Noises Off”. Could have got a £3 one but didn’t want to be perched up in the Gods, or behind a pillar or something – Not on my birthday. I mean, I might not see another one so may as well go out in style!

The play was very good and very funny, though a little confusing to start off in the first act. It was about a group – or troop – of Actors rehearsing a play to be put on at Weston-Super-Mare. The second and third acts were the actual play being put on in different towns. So for the first act we saw was the “proper” stage & props, whereas for the remaining acts we saw the “backstage” with the Actors “speaking their parts” in the distance and the others “whispering” behind the scenes. Very farcical.

I got myself a large orange drink during the interval (32p) and made that last for the rest of the performance. Before the performance, as an extra birthday treat; I took myself for a meal in the Forkrose Restaurant, Villiers Street. I didn’t spoil myself too much though and had a nice cheese salad, trifle with single cream and a tea. £1.60 the lot – Very good for London prices.

When I took my seat at the table I noticed a couple opposite me and was fascinated by the man. He was huge – at least 6ft, probably more, and of enormous build and ruddy complexion. He had a large tum, like Cyril Smith the Liberal man. He was wearing a brown suit, with waistcoat, an open necked shirt and had a tartan scarf round his neck, even though it was a pleasantly warm evening. His wife had on a black skirt and brown cardigan, and had a thick sheepskin coat over the back of her chair. Her hair was done up in a silver bun, the sides all wispy and looking as if they’d once been caught up in the bun but had managed to escape.

When I arrived they were on their soup course. She was eating hers normally but he had his bowl held up high on his chest and was scooping out every last drop. Their main meal was interesting too. She had a Chicken Maryland with salad. He had steak, mushrooms, tomatoes, chips and salad. The plate was full to overflowing as he’d obviously had either the chips or the salad as `extra’. Almost immediately the waitress returned to their table bearing another full plate, containing, what looked like spaghetti Bolognese! While I was pondering on this, and wondering if perhaps a third party was joining their table, I saw the man tip the contents on top of his steak etc., and then set to with great gusto to eat the lot!

I think this must be one of the reasons why I like London so much. You never know what you are going to witness from one moment to the next and, being so very metropolitan, all these oddities pass by un-remarked, and almost unnoticed. The great joy being, of course, one can do almost anything or wear anything, and nobody looks the least bit surprised. Just my cup of tea as I can wear my trousers to work in winter and slippers in summer, for the ease of comfort, and change when I get to the office to look `tidy and respectable’. I doubt very much if I could get away with either of those in Bristol, not without some comment being made by someone anyway. London is an Eccentric’s Paradise!

The Show Must Go On - 2nd May 1982

After a quick sortie to the shops I cleaned through the flat i.e. washed up, hoovered and wielded a duster here and there, washed the kitchen floor etc. Then, exhausted from such an extraordinary expenditure of energy fell into a lovely, warm, highly scented bath to relax and recuperate for an hour. I had obtained tickets for a recording of a Comedy at the TV Studios at Teddington Lock and had arranged to meet Meg at Charlton Station in time to get the 5:23 train, as we had to pick up the coach at Liverpool Street at 6:30.

As it rakes me exactly 5 minutes to get to the Station I left home at 5:15 and arrived on the dot of 5:20 - Plenty of time. However, Meg was getting quite alarmed and was outside on the edge of the kerb as I turned the corner. She said she was worried as the train was due at 5:23 and it was now 5:20 – So I told her that something must have gone seriously wrong because I was THREE MINUTES EARLY!

As it was, we arrived at Liverpool Street at 5:55 and had to kill the next half hour in the Station Buffet (Coffee 28p). The play was very funny – It was the first recording of a new series of “Keep It In The Family” and it was really interesting to see all the `Sets’ laid out in a row and to see how it was all put together. The Actors look so different in the flesh too, either taller, or shorter, than they seem to appear on TV. It was a very good evening and we got back to Charlton at 11pm, with me accompanying Meg home and having a coffee with her before going round to my place at about midnight.

Time Waits for no one - 7th May 1982

Go myself `chatted up’ by a little old Jew who asked me if I had an O.A.P bus pass! When I said “Not for a few years” he replied “Two Years? Oh well, you’ll get one then all right”. I went home and had an early night as I thought I must be showing my age!

Garden Front - 9th May 1982

Actually made a start on the garden. Only did half of one of the borders. That took most of the afternoon! My illness and operation last year meant it was totally neglected and it is now very overgrown. Must try to do something to get it under control. If I can spend a few hours each weekend it will be helpful, but am so dependent on the weather in this regard.

Pottering Around - 15th May 1982

A week of really nice weather. Have been wearing my slippers to and from work each day, changing into my smart high-heeled shoes when I get into the office. It has been so warm we have had the Windows open all day at work.

All three Managers back and Maxine off for two days so have been really busy trying to get the work done, but managed by getting in earlier and working through the lunch hour – even got the filing done?

Today pottered around, sluggishly, went to the shops at 4:30, taking Sheba with me. Made a second trip at 5:30 and saw Jean, opposite. She told me her Joe has died last Tuesday week and that Catweazle had been found dead in his flat this Tuesday. I didn’t think I was superstitious, but shall feel uneasy now until I hear of the third death.

Poor Catweazle, he suffered a great deal and I suppose he is better off, but I shall miss seeing him shuffling up the road with his half bottle of Whisky sticking out of his pocket. Another interesting, eccentric, character gone. Not many of us left now!

Washed up, but refrained from anything more energetic, the weather was so nice I took Sheba for another walk in the evening, then called in to see Meg and got home at midnight. Fed the animals, read a bit and went to bed at 1.am. Left the radio on all night…………again!

Quiet Day at Home - 16th May 1982

Was up and about at 7:30 am! Such a nice day again, sat in the kitchen and ate my breakfast (Grapefruit and poached egg on toast). Back door now permanently wide open and sun pouring in.

The Slippery Surface - 17th May 1982

Spent yesterday very leisurely, though I did hoover throughout, and washed AND Polished the kitchen floor. This was a mistake however as the animals have never been used to a polished surface before and poor Tipsy in particular found it very difficult to keep his balance. Even Sheba kept losing her footing and all in all it has made them feel most insecure! It did look so nice too, with the sun shining through the open door and cabinet and cupboard reflected in the shining surface… Ah! Well!

Listened to the play on the World Service in the afternoon and by doing so managed to miss the play on Radio 4! Just wasn’t my day. Took Sheba for a walk to the Fossdene Shop at 8:30 and bought myself an ice cream. Listened to Mozart and Beethoven whilst reading my latest club book. Went to bed 11:30ish.

I had set the alarm for 6.am but didn’t get up until 7:30 – then fed the animals and had a bath. Joanna came for Sheba at 8.am. I was still wrapped in my towels then but managed to get the 8:44 Charing Cross train, arriving at London Bridge at 9.am. Instead of changing to a Cannon Street train I got a 43 bus from London Bridge to Moorgate, and was fascinated as we crossed the bridge to see all the rush hour hoards moving along en masse like a lot of ants. The majority of the men, surprisingly, in dark City suits’ with brief case and brolly, though a few of the younger element were attired in brown, fawn, blue and grey suits. The women, however, were all in summer dresses, skirts and blouses or pretty brightly coloured trousers with gay tops. No sign of umbrellas there, and the forecast is for “Thundery Rain”. Does that mean the men are more insecure? - Or just more practical?

Had a lovely Florida Salad for lunch from the Buttery – only £1.20 and so much of it – Am feeling quite full. The rain has arrived – in torrents…and I only have my slippers to wear home! Posted letter to Richard, and feel bad at the way I let him down when he was in hospital. Hope he is all right. Also wrote to Lily who advertised in last weeks Mercury for a Pen Pal in Deptford. Wonder if Charlton will quality? It is just along the road after all. Had a late telex to Kirpalani, Suriname, so it was 5:45 when I left to go the cleaning job. Called in at Meg’s, left at 10:45. Fed animals, made cup of tea and listened to Beethoven, so very restful and yet invigorating at one and the same time. Life is such a paradox.

Cats still sliding and slipping all over the kitchen floor but appear to have got their sea legs now and are taking it in their stride, even poor Tipsy who hasn’t got the best balance even when things are normal, but it is simply amazing how well he adapts and copes with life - He is a fighter. Discovered I’d left the bedroom window wide open and the bottom of the curtains all wet – still, the bed seems ok.

The Forgotten Photos - 18th May 1982

Another beautiful day. Woke up to sun pouring through bedroom window. Still open and birds singing and just lay in bed, all nice and comfy, feeling it was great to be alive – LBC playing light classical music, as they do between 5 & 6 am. The next thing I know, of course, they announced the time as 6:16 am! One mad scrabble, out of bed, fed animals, quick swill, threw some cloths on, pulled cover over bed (thank God for Continental Quilts) and made the 6:52 train with seconds to spare.

Collected the Zoo photos from Boots. Had forgotten about them as I’d left the film to be developed 18 months ago. Explained I’d lost the ticket and they managed to find them. Now I can look at the photos of all my old friends and remember my pleasant year with them. There is a particularly good one of the Gorilla I used to converse with. The one who beat his chest like Tarzan when I said he was a handsome fella! Had a nice Mackerel Salad for lunch followed by Yoghurt, and a nice, pleasant chat with Maxine in the kitchen when we were eating (She had a prawn salad). Much quieter on the work front today but found enough to keep me occupied, in fact, didn’t leave the building until 5:55 as I was Trying to get a telex through to Spain. Hope to be able to get it out first thing tomorrow. Emptied all the bins at Liverpool House and dusted all offices except City Couriers, so only have them to do in the morning before going into work.

Went to Villiers Street and had the `Lunch of The Day’ and a lemon tea. I spotted the little Jew as I stepped inside and took a seat just by the door s I’d had a fairly pleasant day and didn’t fancy `chatting’ just then, so kept my head down and did the crossword in the paper, not looking up when he left and said “Goodnight”. I can be a horrid bitch at times (If I was a Catholic I’d give myself three Hail Mary’s as penance). Caught the 8:27 train home. Saw a young man waiting on the platform with a dog and as he was smoking, I waited till the train pulled in and then `followed’ him. I have been caught by British Rail before. You can walk all the way to the front of the train – only to find all the `smokers’ are at the back! However, I saw this young man get in the front carriage so carried on and joined him. What an interesting journey. I spoke to him…of course. His dog is called `Fanny’ and has recently had four pups, the last one being homed only two days ago. He stared a new job today, as an Actor, rehearsing a play for children in the 7-11 year age group, being put on by the Covent Garden Community Group and as he didn’t want his dog to pine for her pups he took her along with him to rehearsals and said she behaved so well he is to be allowed to take her everyday and also said they might be able to `write her in’ to the script.

She is only 10 months old and is very well behaved. He said he didn’t want Fanny to have any more pups and was considering having her injected twice a year with hormones to prevent her coming on heat, to which I replied that if they gave her too many hormones she might turn `butch’ and what would he do with a `Gay’ dog? He thought it very funny! I thought it rather amusing too, especially as I wasn’t 100% sure that we wasn’t `Gay’ himself! Nevertheless, it was a very pleasant journey home, the train seeming to arrive almost immediately after pulling out from Charing Cross.

I got home just right to catch `Listen To The Band’, and fed the animals in time to the music. They are still slipping and sliding about but take no notice of it now. It is very comical to watch – like watching children playing on a frozen pond – they have the occasional spill and collision but soon pick themselves up. Tipsy looks even more ridiculous than usual of course, but is quite unaware of the fact. Sheba walks like a Dowager Duchess, determined not to lose her dignity in front of the cats! Dust day tomorrow – must remember to put the rubbish out in the morning.

And they thought I was a District Nurse! - 19th May 1982

Gosh! Almost overdid it this morning. Alarm went off ok but I just lay there – suddenly it was 6:25…same as yesterday, but 10 minutes later AND I had to put the rubbish out, but got the 6:52 train, it pulled in as I arrived… Good timing. Poor Meg would no doubt be horrified! She rang today to say she is having a days leave tomorrow – I had to keep her waiting for a few minutes as I was halfway through a message to the Bahamas on the telex. Quite a heavy work load today but took my lunch hour and sat in the kitchen and ate with Maxine. Has a salad for my lunch and had braised lamb shops for my tea/supper at Villiers Street. The place was full when I arrived at 7:30 and I had no choice but to sit with the little old Jew. He had his usual Goulash and I found it very irritating the way he chomped and sucked – he eats with his mouth open and makes such a noise. I think Ernie may have ate with his mouth open, but it is so long ago now I can’t really remember. I know he used to eat funny because of only having the four teeth in the front – top and bottom – don’t think he made such awful noises as the little Jew does, or if he did, it didn’t get on my nerves. I must be developing into a pernickety old maid! Must watch that – I’ve known a few in my time and I DEFINIETLY do NOT want to become like those I knew.

The little Jew told me he “has it on good authority” that Mrs Thatcher is to “resign” in a few months time, but I put it down to just wishful thinking on his part. Because he wouldn’t stop nattering I nearly missed the train and had to dash for it, but when I got into the station I found it had been cancelled anyway. As there is no Waiting Room at Charing Cross I sat on one of the benches to wait for the next one at 8:57, just afterwards I was joined by an old man who just sat and scratched – nearly every part of his anatomy seemed to have an itch and I was dying to have a good scratch myself but told myself it was `all in the mind’ so didn’t give in to the urge. Just then they announced the fast train was being stopped at additional Stations so I caught that. What a mix up – at Charing Cross they said it would stop at Blackheath, but at London Bridge they said it wouldn’t – there was nearly a punch up between one of the Passengers and the Guard, it delayed the train for ages and only when the Police were called did we set off for home, leaving the very irate Passenger at London Bridge – and the train DID stop at Blackheath after all, so all that fuss was for nothing.

I got home just in time to hear the last 5 minutes of `Among Your Souvenirs’ and there was a good Band on tonight too. The weather is still warm, but feels as if it might be about to break. Will have to wear my shoes tomorrow anyway – can’t really go to the AGM at St. Marks Hospital in my slippers. Meg thinks they have mistaken me for someone of more import, to be invited to the AGM. She could be right, especially after the mix up at Hackney Hospital when I was shown one of the Patents Notes, and later at Guys when, after being kept waiting for ages, they apologised and said they thought I was a District Nurse! In both instances I was wearing my bottle green gabardine Mac and I think this helped to cause the confusion. Still, I shall wait and see what transpires on the morrow!

When I first got in tonight and listening to the last 5 minutes of `Among Your Souvenirs’ as I was feeding the casts, I was singing along with the radio in the kitchen and, I thought, giving a fair rendering. However, the dog started to howl so she obviously didn’t think so. I told her that since the “Caller Herring” episode in my Singing Company days I need `encouraging’ NOT criticism, but she looked at me with big doleful eyes, begging me not to continue with such torture…so I just `hummed’ instead and she was able to tolerate that. The cats never seem t mind, but maybe, like me, they are tone deaf anyway! Am now playing my Band records – the Heathrow Airport one – it is now one of my oldest records, being purchased when the Band was playing in Finsbury Circus in 1976 and being signed by the Soloist (the sleeve autographed – not he record). It is still one of my favourites. They were a very good Band, one of the best, but went down hill after their original Conductor left. He was a tiptop bandsman and made the band. Never hear of them now.

St. Marks Hospital. AGM - 20th May 1982

Up early today – in bath before 5:30 and in Gillespies before 9 am. Load of washing up left from Board Meeting yesterday but only did cups and saucers as Sally came up and did all the glasses. Spent most of the morning on Ground Floor looking up Orders. Had hair done 2:30 - young trainee but did it well. Left 5:50 to go to St. Marks Hospital. Wore the bright Turquoise dress mum gave me – perfect match with the pretty necklace Mrs “W” brought back from Barbados for me. Very interesting AGM, we had a talk by Lady Bingley on “CARE”, I also spent some time talking with Lady Parkes and I also spoke to Hugh Chevalier who contacted me about the deaf patient I visited. Hugh leaves next week to go to Bristol University where he is to study English Lit. Had a lovely buffet – Quiche, Sausage Rolls, Sandwiches, Crisps, Peanuts etc, white wine and plenty of REAL coffee. Spent a bit of time looking at the various things made by patents. Very high standard, especially a beautifully embroidered tablecloth and Jacobean type embroidered cushion covers. One of the Drs. had a huge rug she’d made – enormous – with such intricate patterns – she said it took her six months to finish. They seemed very interested in the `Sign Language’ and I think I shall become more closely involved with this particular hospital. Left 8:30 and caught 9:04 train – and went straight to Megs arriving at about 9:20. She had a fresh cream doughnut and coffee waiting for me. Gosh! I am being spoiled today. Finally got home about 11pm and found the Summer Directive from Prof. Pocock of Sussex University waiting for me. When am I going to find the time to do al the reporting? Haven’t even made a start on the Spring Directive yet – nor the Forum stuff in the office – and the deadline for that is next week, so MUST gets some info together shortly.

Civil Servants Social - 23rd May 1982

Yesterday I went with Meg to Charlton House to the Civil Servants Social – for retired Civil Servants. She is nervous of going places on her own so I went as Meg’s `Guest’. I felt quite at ease with all the `Oldies’, especially after being chatted up recently by an old Jew who aske me if I had an OAP bus pass! It was the first time I’d been inside Charlton House and I was fascinated by the history of the place. It had a nice `atmosphere’. The Mulberry tree in the grounds is reputed to be the oldest Mulberry in the Country, and it still bears fruit apparently. We were given a glass of sherry when we arrived and someone played the piano for a Sing Song. Then we had a nice buffet and a cup of tea and a Bring & Buy stall. This was followed by a singing family called the Stockwells. They were very good. We left at 10:30 and I went back to Meg’s for a coffee, arriving home to my place at about midnight.

Today has been very quiet – haven’t set foot outside the front or back doors. Justice dame for Sheba at 11 o’clock but it started to rain not long after and they came back inside half an hour, both looking like drowned rats. I had a nice dinner – chicken piece, sitting on a bed of sweet corn, mushrooms, lemon slices and tomatoes, sprinkled with garlic and pepper. It was gorgeous and I only hope the garlic won’t cause the same problem as last time! It will be awkward if it does, but I can’t go through the rest of my life never eating garlic again. Should have gone to the launderette this weekend. Will have to `re-cycle’ some of the clothes to last out anther week.

Recently I broke my glasses – one of the arms came off. When I took them in fore repair they wanted a minimum of £10 just for replacing a side arm! So I ordered a new pair for £16.50 - £8 for the frames and £8.50 for the lens – National Health of course. There will no doubt be some comment in the office when I first get them, because they are metal framed - Granny Glasses straight across the top!

The Old Bailey – 23rd July 1982

I was on Jury Service Tuesday and Wednesday. The case was rather depressing really, in that the accused was obviously guilty, but only because of circumstance and, in particular, the other `innocent’ party. I felt that the better character of the two was in the Dock, but had to vote Guilty as he undoubtedly was, but only because the other chap had `caused’ it. I felt very `heavy’ yesterday evening because our `Guilty’ verdict has lost him his livelihood (He was a self employed Taxi driver) and he has been given a custodial sentence, plus fine, plus driving ban, plus having his Licence endorsed. So he will lose his Cab Drivers Badge and will only be able to be a Mini Cab driver when he comes out. The poor man has two kiddies too, 2 years and 4 months, and was of previous good character. What a Tragedy.

I had a rather pleasant early evening pottering around in the garden. It is coming on nicely now, beginning to look more like a garden. I have several rose bushes in bloom (bought them in Containers), several Fuchsias; a holly bush; a buddleia (the one that attracts butterflies) and several different shrubs. Have also cleared the garden path and this makes it look more respectable as it is about 2 ½ ft wide. My lawn is mowed and looks neat and tidy, albeit rather brown and scorched at the moment but I will keep that down and gradually get it back into a decent lawn. Today spent preparing my `Shrubbery’, situated at the end of the lawn, before you actually get to the tree (where there use to be loads of huge thistles growing). The 2ft border down the side of the garden path is all cleared and planted as far as the washing line post, and my new Shrubbery is all dug over and already has three shrubs in it. I am now beginning to actually enjoy `pottering’ in my garden; it is fun – I only hope my interest doesn’t wane once it is all complete. I would like to get lots and lots of various bulbs and let them all naturalise all around the tree. I don’t think much else will grow in that area because of the shade, but bulbs should be ok and would like nice.

I still have that poor man on my mind. Probably because I was unfortunate enough to have an unexpected visit later this evening by Doreen who was on the Jury with me and who lives in Charlton. She is a right old bore and is a real scrounger. She kept saying, “I hope my money comes tomorrow or I won’t be able to get any food in, I haven’t got anything in the cupboard”. As she mentioned this several times I got the strong impression she was `on the tap’, but I didn’t bite. I agreed it was very difficult with money these days and showed her my Red Reminder Bills for the Rates, Gas and Electric, but didn’t offer to lend her any money. I would have been foolish to do so as I only have enough to get my own needs. I do wish people wouldn’t do this – Try to make you feel guilty because you have a fiver in your purse when they’ve only got a pound. At one time I would probably have lent her half, made it hard for myself and not seen the woman or money again, but in later years I’m afraid I have become a little harder – or maybe, more mean? She kept on and on about the Taxi Driver, and all I wanted to do was forget – not think about the poor man locked up in some cell.

Back in March, he was on his way home late one night, but still had his `For Hire’ sign up as he hoped to pick up on his journey. When he stopped at traffic lights a drunk man opened the back door to get in, so, hoping to shake him off, when the lights changed he drove off. Unfortunately the drunk held on to the handle and was dragged about 150 yards, finally being thrown off into a stationary car by St. Paul’s and being injured. The Taxi driver then continued on down Ludgate Hill and round the corner into New Bridge Street, before coming to a halt. As a Police car had been parked in St. Paul’s Churchyard and had seen the taxi go by with the man hanging on, they gave chase and arrested him. We had no choice but to bring in a Guilty verdict, but I still feel it was basically the drunks fault and the Taxi driver just panicked.

Because of the recent bombings (IRA) we have to under go a rigid search each time we enter the Old Bailey. It is quite an interesting experience and I’m glad of the opportunity of seeing how things work, but would hate to have my future decided by a handful of Jurors who, like myself, know nothing of the law. It was a real eye-opener in that Jury Room, listening to some of the inane utterances of some of the other Jurors. The Judge directed us all to base our findings on the evidence produced in Court, and that alone, but some of them were talking rubbish in that room. One man said he was voting Not Guilty because he was a Taxi Driver!

We had a bit of excitement over the road tonight, when that stupid Doreen was here. A while back a man threw a brick through the window opposite and then just sat on the wall? Well, while we were talking there was a lot of noise and Sheba started barking. I thought it was just children fighting as I saw a little girl crying and the woman opposite sat on the path, but as she does odd things I took that as the norm, then I saw a `bundle’ and realised it was two men clamped together fighting, rolling all around the front garden. After a few minutes the woman got up and started clouting them with her shoe. Then the men got up, one had blood all over his shirt and the other had a wound on his head. This really got Doreen excited – up till then she had been getting on my nerves by giving me a running commentary (after all I could see the same as her), but once she saw the blood, she was really off. “Our friends will be here now” she said and kept repeating, “Our friends are coming”. It wasn’t until a Panda Car turned up I realised she was talking about the police. When they drove off with one of the fellows in the back, Doreen shouted out “Cheerio! We’ll see you on Monday”. Silly Moo. They were just local Bobbies, nothing to do with the Old Bailey.