Back to work after yesterday at home owing to gammy tummy which attribute to
glass of wine taken at Mr. Allen’s on Thursday afternoon. Now feeling
quite fit again. Mother, Harold & Amy attended New Year’s Eve Dance at
the Yarra [Café in Cleethorpes] last night which I was sorry to miss.
All had good time but Mr. Henfrey taken ill soon after midnight & Harold took him home in car.
Understand much better to-day and back at work.
Denis goes back to Felixstowe (thanks to him for this diary) after 8 days leave.
Town draw at home to Preston, sharing 2 goals.
Home 6.45. Pools very quiet this week.
Began book today which Dennis gave (I assume) to me – “Patrol”
by Philip MacDonald. Seems good. Weather cool but dry.
Listened to Music-Hall – only mod. Few games of darts with Harold & Dad.
Up about 10.30. Spring had been barking in night.
Began tray for Johnnie’s wedding present & got dutchman design burnt on.
Mr. Allen & mother came to tea and had a good time. Went to shop with Norman
at night and before coming home fixed several “potions” etc. for Amy.
Played darts for most of evening and playing cricket twice got a bull, double 20 and single 20.
Had bath about 8.30 and shampoo. Water very hard.
Ran Norman & mother home about 10 o’clock and after supper made these
few entries & so to bed. (10.45)
Weather still fair but wet underfoot. Fairly quiet day at office. Went to Holders
to choose gramophone records for Mr. Allen on Harold’s behalf
and bought three. Also bought self new tie in Victoria St.. Ran Dad and Mr. Bishop
to Ritz & understand picture good and hope to go with Norman to-morrow night. Yarra at night,
of course, and had a good “do” but our “section” seemed to be out of favour with the
rest of the crowd. Still, very enjoyable.
Conked out of petrol coming home but filled up from medicine bottle at
Amy’s which carried us to pumps in Fuller St.. Home soon after 11 and to
bed soon after half-past. Very tired.
Weather as yesterday.
Not very busy at Office.
Thought about going in for Dress Suit but postponed the idea owing to being late
in the season. Hope to have one later on.
Few games of darts at dinner time with Harold.
At night after [piano] practise (resumed after 2 weeks rest) went to Strand with Norman. “Farewell
Again” with Flora Robson & Leslie Banks. All army and troopships. Fair and
not worth the stars the Picturegoer gives it.
Invited to Norman’s to tea on Sunday – accepted.
Have just finished almost the “Patrol” but leaving small finish for
to-morrow as bit too bloodthirsty to sleep on. Very good.
Mother to bed about 10 after Epsom Salt Bath – not very well. Dad rather better.
Did not know one could write so much in a diary on such an “ordinary” day.
Finished “Patrol”. Very good especially the latter half.
Weather as yesterday, perhaps colder.
Covered four new books for Ray in dinner-hour, finishing them at Office in afternoon.
Fire in room so enjoyed practise to full. Began painting the Dutchman design on
Tray and hope to finish to-morrow.
Very good programme on wireless including natty story by A.J. Alan – full
marks. Also Western Bros very good.
Mother not too well but with gammy side. Have just posted the 10/-
collected for the Wireless for the Blind Fund after much delay.
Harold gone to Amy’s. Olive been to choir practice. Now 10.45 and Dad
& Ray messing around with reflector on car headlamp which dad is very anxious to clean so late in the night.
No letters received.
To Bed 10-50.
Understand Geo. Kempster and family coming to tea on Sunday.
Johnny off work to-day.
Fairly busy in morning.
After dinner helped Dad to clean car and afterwards finished painting tray. Ran
Mother to Gilliats (to join Miss Horn) but mother not at all well and apparently
has the shingles. Mr. Gilliatt orders nothing but orange juice until
Monday. Mother to bed early after Epsom Salt Bath.
After practise went to Regal for first time with Ray, Dad & Mr. Bishop. Pictures
seen – “Easy Living” & “French
Leave”. Both moderate and only faults we have to find are bad seats,
pictures too long and organist no good. Stage lighting, however, excellent.
Olive been to Chapel for Table Tennis. Harold to Amy’s.
Heard bit of “Geisha” on Wireless with Huntley-Wright very good.
Received letter from Arthur to hear that gramophone record set, as expected, had
arrived in more than one piece. Letter very good and written at Public Library.
Mother certainly no better and having to stay in bed to-day. Very poorly. Bought
her a few tulips and mimosa home from Freeman St.
After five but before tea went to Holder Bros. Bought “Gold &
Silver” and got Elsie Simpson to show bill for Flotsam & Jetsam
concert on Jan 23rd.
After tea did practise (fire in room) and then few rounds of darts with Harold
and Dad. Olive & Ray to pictures. Amy here to-night.
Had bath but a very quick one as water was not too hot. Helped Amy to get supper
on, cleaned shoes, etc..
Johnny back at work. Weather cold and showery.
Hall & Betmead out of town for cup-tie with Swindon to-morrow owing to
injury. Guess at score 4–1.
Mother little better and up from about 10-30 to 9.30. Fire
in room and lit fire in bedroom about 8 o’clock. Hope will improve again to-morrow.
Very much colder to-day but dry.
Ada rang up to say little Olive ill & cannot come to tea to-morrow. Has been
to see Mother this afternoon & seems Olive has St. Feritice’s* Dance
and will perhaps be two years before better. Mrs Fulljames also been to see Ma.
Town drew 1–1. Very poor game. Replay Wednesday. Town
will win. Loads of winners at Christys.
Home about 1. Heard Palace of Varieties – very good. Also Billy
Mareyl [Mayerl].
Pa Bishop comes in about quarter to ten since when we have discussed football,
ice-houses, refrigiating, chicken-farming and close now discussing
fox-hunting. Am much against this.
* i.e. St. Vitus’ [footnote in original]
Up 10.30. Not a bad day.
In morning mooched around and did practise. Harold cleaned car and Ray the
aviaries. Made list of Xmas Cards received for reference coming
Christmas. Mother perhaps a little better and up about 12.30.
Heard C.H. Middleton on Vegetable Gardens after dinner & then changed to
black suit for tea at Norman’s. Arrived soon after 3.30 and home about
10-15 complete with piece of cake for mother. Had nice time and tried on dinner
suit which I am to borrow. Good fit.
Frank Kempster came to tea at home. Olive & Ray went to Mr. Craze’s at
night, Harold to tea at Amy’s.
Another wet and dark day. Mother a little better in morning and seeming to
improve all day.
Very busy at Christys getting all the winners out but managed very comfortably. Turner
Layton at the Ritz this week. Dad stays in at night and Olive & Ray
to Whist-Drive at Marjorie Youngs. Not home at time of writing (11-30)
Good crowd at Yarra and to-night particularly notable because Harold pushes his
elbow though one of the glass door panels whilst dancing with Mrs. Beales. Mustn’t
complain, however, as he won half-share in Cordingley’s sweep.
Received letter from Margaret.
Saw Geo. Glover to-day which reminds me that I have forgotten to enter before
that he got finished at the Ice House last Friday.
Town drawn away in Cup against Scarborough or Luton if they beat Swindon on
Wednesday. Most attractive draw is Wolves v Arsenal, the two favourites. Hope
the home team wins. Should do.
Weather cold. Mother about same as yesterday. Would be better if could have good
night’s rest which does not seem to come along.
Finished two “Sale” posters for shop in morning.
Electric Fire comes for Mr. Allen which is a present from Mr. Craze. Very nice
job and run this down to his house after piano lesson at Mr. Craze’s. Thought
I was getting on well with the lesson.
Meant to write to Arthur to-night but went to pictures with Norman to same place
as Dad & Mr. Bishop – Regal. Picture seen – “Captains
Courageous” among the very best seen for a long time. Cast includes
Freddie Bartholomew, Spencer Tracey and Lionel Barrymore. Splendid performance
by all named.
Received literature from the School of Accountancy.
To bed approaching 11-30.
Mother about same and had no better night, staying in bed, however, until 12. More rain.
Mrs. Freeman & Amy come to tea and run them home about 7.30. Dad going to
Savoy with traveller, Mr. Emerson, and Mr. Kiddle. Harold to Amy’s and
Olive to choir practise. Not very pleased with Johnny to-day but out most of
morning. Written to Arthur to-day – nearly four pages. In afternoon helped
Mr C. with some music re the Sunday Concert & arranged programme.
My forecast of Town result in replay gone astray and they manage to lose
2–1. Good old Town (Swindon). At night try to fix handles to tray but
split the first piece I attempted to nail together.
Ray buys another 100 books for library from Smith & Sons.
Took dog round square.
Mother says she is stopping up until 12. Not a bad idea.
Have written to-day for advice from School of Accountancy. Hope this will prove
a wise step. Just going to look up Prospectus. 10.30.
Much brighter day with sunshine. Little warmer. Mother had much better night and
think a little better.
Not very busy in morning and took cheque to shop (Chas. Ward was there) and
bought Sixpenny Edition of “Turkish Patrol” & “Turkish
March” from Perritts [music shop]. Called at Aunt Olive’s for a few minutes
on way home.
In afternoon numbered some of Ray’s new books and then finished tray
except for staining and finishing. Harold busy with car. Practise after tea and
run books to Ray’s shop in car.
Went to Mens Meeting with Harold, Dad, Ray & Mr. Jackson. Mrs. Jackson came
and stayed with mother – also Amy. Olive to bed early to give energy for
being first up in these mornings now mother is ill. At meeting –
Mr. Heeling on Escape from Turkish Prisoners Camp, (lantern) – Very good
but not a very good speaker. Coughing during lecture very bad and room cram full
of smoke. Made my eyes smart. Going bed nearly 11-15.
Writing before supper – 9.35.
Fairly dry up to about five when a wet night set in. Mother not had very good
night last night but a little better again to-day. Mrs. Craze has been to see
her this afternoon, Mrs. Proctor called at dinner-time and Mrs. Freeman has sent
a basket of fruit.
Ray home about 7-30 so as to get to Regal to see “Captains
Courageous” of which I made a report in a previous entry. Amy in at night
& Dad re-covers one of box end of curb [on billiard table]. Harold rigs wireless up in middle
room so as to be easily transported back to living-room when required.
After practice finished cleaning off tray-frame and gave coat of opal varnish. Should
get this finished to-morrow. Took dog round square. Wrote to Mr. Holford
in sympathy for Mrs. Holford who was taken to hospital last Sunday with stomach
trouble. Began writing to Harold but scrapped after two pages. Not in very good
mood with one thing and another to-night. Expect letter of advice from School of
Accountancy in morning. Wonder what this will offer?
Terrific gale has been blowing all night & continues today. Neon lighting
outside Ritz blown down. Mother nice bit better.
Wrote to Margaret.
Received letter of advice from School of Accountancy recommending taking exams
with London Association of Certified Accountants. This seems a good idea but
have not decided on anything yet.
Fairly busy at Christys.
Had bath at tea-time, changed and walked back to office. Mr. Craze mentioned
that we should have a rough journey to-night and learnt that I had to fetch Mr. Nuttall
& Mr. Pyrce from Skegness to-night and not next Saturday as I
had been reckoning. However, everything went well. Left home about 8.45 and
back again soon after midnight.
Heard some of Music Hall on wireless in which Vic Oliver was outstandingly good. Dad
re-covers other end of curb to-night so that this job now completed. By the
way, Harold and I went to Skegness and not alone as my entry suggests. I
drive there and Harold back.
Going to bed at 12-30.
Not up until after 10-30. Still very windy but subsiding at night. Mother very
much better and getting about house almost as usual. In morning mooched round
and did practise for over an hour.
Mr. Bishop came in after dinner and thrashed out the football problem with us
consequence [sic]. Dad had run down dock in car with Mr. B. Amy to tea.
After tea played some darts and then had walk to Bathing Pool and back. Had on
new shoes and came back almost a cripple. Walked home with Dad from Old Clee as
I met him there also en trek. Hardly any wind and very warm. Heavy rain after
ten o’clock. Finished night with game of crib with dad. Lost.
Olive & Ray to hospital Concert at Queens Hall – Frank Olsen etc. Understand very good.
To Bed about 10-30.
Mother again on mend and Mr. Gilliatt adds four daily glasses of milk to her all-fruit diet.
Cooler to-day. Fairly busy at Office but only moderate number of winners. Home
soon after five and Harold has to take Mrs. Jackson to Keelby as Mr. Jackson
working late. Go with him, after practise, as far as Old Clee and to
Wakelin’s for hair-cut. Walked from here to Dance.
Had a good time and met two new persons. Peter — and Mrs — (names
forgotten). Nice folk. Harold pays for window broken last week – 6/6. Not
dear, I think.
Dad & Mr. B. to Savoy. Decent picture – Will Fyffe.
Home soon after 11 and to bed after entering diary at 11.30.
Hear from Rhoda Richardson that Town have signed Hughie Gallacher but no
announcement in Telegraph. Must await to-morrow for confirmation but think the
news is authentic. Hope so. Received letter from Harold B.. Had haircut.
News of Hughie Gallacher apparently well founded rumour but Town have not
definitely fixed transferral – understand Bambrick of Chelsea also
in running. Mother still on mend. Weather cold with raw wind.
At night went to Archer’s with Mrs. Craze to see their Fancy Dresses for
next dance on Feb 7th. Very good rig-outs of antiquity.
Ran Mrs. Craze home and brought back chair back cover of Indian design to be renovated
with poker work.
Heard John Hilton on wireless on “How I began” – very good. Did not know
until know that he was a Bolton chap. Must tell Arthur. Dad has touch of cold.
Lights fuse with a bang early this morning (5-15) but only hear the resulting
confusion of Ray asking where the candles where (”In the drawer
with the dusters”) and something about torches and moonlight. Very
mystifying when I was very little awake. However, Mr. Rea, comes in to repair in
afternoon.
Mother not too well after Epsom Salt Bath last evening but improves as the day
goes on.
Much dryer to-day but still cool. Town sign Gallacher from Notts C. Old stuff
but might do the Town a bit of good.
At night – practise – few games of darts and then to Mr. Allen’s
to look at Electric Fire which does not fit. Think this had better
be changed. Come home then and at last finished tray. Does not look so bad.
Olive & Dad go to choir practise. Ray home about 8-30 and gives me hand to
finish tray. Not much on wireless except programme of good marches by Military
Band. Must fill pen with proper ink in morning.
Nice day. Mother nice bit better and Mr. Gilliatt put her on more solid
foods. Fairly busy at Office. Made the 50 free tickets out for the poor children which
Christys have given for the Pantomime at the Theatre Royal. Also packed 50 bags
of sweets for same purpose.
In afternoon Dad and Ray put new spouting on shed. Went to Shaw’s to see
about some cover paper for Ray’s books but had nothing suitable. Had been
to Burnetts in morning and got some unsuitable samples. Also went to Ray’s
house for piece of spouting and then Mr. Allens to arrange to go to Ritz. Ran
mother to Gilliatts and back. Dog gets out and find him at gate at 9.30.
Went to Ritz – saw “It’s all Yours” only middling and
the “13th Man” much better. Organist very good. Meet
Dad, Ray and Mr. Bishop outside who had also been and got ride home. Daff
Bishop home after operation for appendicitis in London. Good variety on
wireless. To bed about ten o’clock.
Olive at Ray’s shop at night. Harold to Amy’s. Did little practise
before tea.
Very nice day. Best for a long time. Not very busy and did some showcards for
shop window. In afternoon tried to do a caricarture of Hughie Gallacher but not
very successful.
Mother nice bit better.
Finished with tray altogether as Olive took this to shop for errand boy to
deliver. Hope to start another soon.
At night do practise, have bath, shampoo, etc., and then listen to radio. Not
very good including farce by Melluish Brothers. Nothing very exciting happens.
Began letter to Harold but scrapped so I could listen in.
Amy in at night and has bath.
Olive & Ray to Palace to see “Saratoga” with Jean Harlow.
Harold wrote to Dennis yesterday.
Dad goes in to Bishop’s at night and sees Daff who is far from better.
Another nice day.
Mother better and goes to Adult School Meeting in afternoon.
Not particularly busy.
In afternoon go to the shop to see the Electric Fire which will not fit Mr
Allen’s grate. Afraid this cannot be altered.
Home soon after seven and listened to “In Town To-night” and
“Palace of Varieties”. Both no good.
Mr. Bishop calls in for few minutes. Did some practise after nine o’clock
for about half-an-hour and then went for some fish & chips on Ray’s
bike. Home about ten but didn’t have any chips myself.
Mother wins Chocolate Father Xmas in Ray’s shop raffle.
Took Mr Allen’s Tickets for to-morrow’s concert and left note asking
if he would accompany me to the Yarborough Hotel to fetch Flotsam and Jetsam in
the car to the concert.
Nice and warm but damp. Jack Cooper rang up to see if were playing tennis. Told
him did not think so but afterwards slipped down in car to look at the court. This
was not so bad and rang Jack up to tell him we had revised our decision. Jack Walker
also turned out and we had a very good foursome. We were all rather
out of condition after such a long rest. Home about 1-15.
Changed to black suit and did spot of practise and then got tea ready (including
cutting bread), Olive, Ray, Mother & Dad having gone for run in car to
Brocklesby Park. Home about 4.45. Mr. Bishop in for about half-hour in afternoon
with his nuts.
At night went to concert and, as arranged, fetched (and took back) in car
Flotsam & Jetsam from the Yarborough Hotel. They are two of the best you
could wish to meet. Full of fun and very appreciative of our small action. They
were very good on the stage and the programme was altogether very good.
Home about 10-30 and take dog round square and so to bed.
Not a bad day and mother gets her washing done, which is apparently something of
an achievement. Quite busy at Office as we have plenty of winners.
Mother still better. Everything as usual. Do practise after tea, run mother to
Mrs. Fulljames for practise, change and to dance. Had a good time but did not
have a particularly gay time as was not in a dancing mood. Mother came but did
not dance. Good crowd there. Geo. Lilly comes in at night but don’t see
him. Quite a surprise this. Good chap, George.
Dad and Mr B. go to Royal. Good show. Home soon after eleven and to bed about
half after this hour.
Another very strong wind gets up in night and continues to about noon and then
subsides. Plenty of sun. Mother still getting better. Goes to practise for
Concert at Leamington in afternoon.
Steadily busy at Office.
No piano-lesson as Mr. C. has engagement at the Royal. Do little practise, write
to Arthur, and then slip to Norman’s in car to borrow dinner-suit for
Thursday night. Come home and find George Lilly and Mr. Bishop at home. George
doesn’t look too bad and still the same. Slip in then to see Daff
Bishop for half an-hour. Pleased to find her on the mend. Mr. Nicholson also
there and tells of bright red and green lights in the sky. Do not see these but
the wireless news tells us for splendid display of Northern Lights.
Harold at Amy’s. Olive & Ray to Ray’s mothers.
Mother about better again.
Fairly busy and have to go to Bank in morning as Johnny off this week to get her
house ready. Went twice to bank, in fact, as I forgot P.Os on my fist visit.
Mother goes to Leamington in afternoon and Mrs. Fulljames and Amy come home to
tea (pork-pie, I thought, but had salmon).
Have fire in middle room, had hoped to do some practise but after six
o’clock run down to Mr. Craze’s via Christys with the Electric Fire
we have so much trouble with. Thinks he might keep this for himself.
Come home and run Ma and Mrs. F. to Albert St. Adult School (Cremola [pudding powder]
demonstration). Home again and some practise and attempt some duets with Olive.
Not very good.
Have received literature these past few days re Civil Service and wonder now
whether to take this step.
Have a bath, listen to wireless a bit and to bed about 10-15.
Town draw 1–1 with Leeds (at Leeds) in Division match. Craven scores.
Letter received from Margaret.
Not a bad day but very cold and raw. Not as busy. Traveller from Fry’s
calls re Xmas Club. Is sending a specialist down to see us. In a good humour
to-day somehow.
Cup of tea after dinner to-day.
Everyone seems very busy except self in afternoon so annoy other people. Harold
adjusts the car steering and Dad & Ray busy in the aviaries. After tea try
on H’s dinner suit and this is a good fit if the trousers had been a few
inches longer. Practise.
Harold, Ray, Dad & Mr. Jackson go to Men’s Meeting – debate on
blood sports – Abb Thomson v some official chap.
Mother at Concert for the Blind at Old Clee but home before nine as the piano
was wanted for dancing at eight o’clock. Olive opens at Ray’s
shop.
Begin to get ready for dance (The Pharmacists Association) about 7-30 and
was surprised at the rush to be ready by 8-45. Had a good time (fairly).
Mr. & Mrs. Palmer, Norman & Mrs. M, Mrs. W. and self formed party but this
was very much spoiled by Mr. Beales who arrived about 10-30. Bad manners I
thought. Ena Burton also there and in our taxi coming home. Mr. Palmer seems a
nice chap. Also there, Jack Swain, Ken Brown, Miss Hickman.
Warmer today but far from hot.
Not particularly busy or particularly tired although did not get home from dance
until 1-20 this morning.
Received set of 1937 examination papers re examination for Ass. Inspector of
Taxes. Very interesting and this job does look attractive.
In afternoon mother goes to see Olive K. who has been to Hull Infirmary for
examination. Report not yet to hand but understand can be cured. Call @ aunt
Olive’s on way home at night as hear Uncle E. has been ill. Find him much
better. Aunt Olive comes across after tea but just in time with two hot cakes.
Do practise and then examine my growing pile of Civil Service Literature.
Mother goes in to Mr. Rea’s to borrow Fancy-Dress and Amy, later on, goes
successfully on the same errand.
Re-burn with poker Indian chair back-cover of Mrs. Craze’s but the paint I
tried won’t take. Olive & Ray to pictures. Amy has bath. Listen to
“I remember” programme in which the commentator is very good. (he
interrupts a singer over the word “Babio” whilst singing). Did’nt we
laugh. Heard also Willie Smith in the Davis v Lindrum Snooker Match. Davis wins.
Terrific wind gets up in night and persists all day. Hard work cycling. Bayon’s Manor
suffers damage by fire. Much damage done in all parts of the country.
Fairly busy at office and find quite a good number of winners. Lot of home wins
which, however does not include Grimsby Town who manage to draw with Liverpool. No
goals. Manchester City beat Derby C. at Derby by 7 goals to 1. Understand
Glover on the mend and referees charity match on Thursday.
Home about seven. Rather cold so make self a cup of cocoa – Rowntrees by
the way (may be useful for advertising) and enjoyed very much. Had, by the way,
one of my favourite dinners, – ham, eggs and chips.
After coming home – did practise and then listened to Music-Hall –
only moderate. Played darts at the same time with Dad and Harold and win two
games out of three. Toast for supper. Amy here.
Hear table-tennis championship on wireless but a flop, I think, from a
broadcasting point of view. Game too fast to be describable.
Very nice day, plenty of sun but rather windy. Played an enjoyable game of
tennis in morning but rather spoilt by Jack Walker who did not manage to turn
out of bed very early and rolled up about 12 o’clock.
After dinner sat around in tennis garb, listening to Mr. Middleton & some
good gramophone records. Harold, Amy, Mother & Dad run to Immingham in
car. After changing do practise and then get tea ready, finishing just in time
as they arrive home (4-45). “Spelling B” on wireless very good
– a spelling competition between university students of England &
America. Conveyed by wireless right over the Atlantic. America wins by majority
of correctly spelt words.
After tea play darts with Harold & Dad and then walk up to Normans. Home 10
o’clock and have bath. To bed about 10.45.
Again plenty of wind. Tragic news today of the loss of the
“Leicestershire” with all 15 hands off Hoy in the Orkneys. Know no
one on board. Weather must be terrible at sea with such viscous gales.
Fairly busy. Johnny goes early to prepare for the big event to-morrow.
Expect every day to hear from Ron and a little concerned at not having heard
from him this year. Perhaps to-morrow.
After tea change and do little practise then go to Bishop’s to see if Mr. B. going
pictures with Dad. Stay about half-hour (Daff still at home) then run
them to the Regal. Clark Gable – “Parnell” – very good.
So to dance, joined by our next door neighbour – Enid Rea. Very nice girl
and all have a very good night together. Not a big crowd, Joe conspicuous by his
absence. Had Sequence Foxtrot with Mrs. Craze. Home about 11 and to bed soon
after.