Day working on The Lady, receiving Peter and his family for a barbeque and hearing of David Slater’s breakdown as Thatcher leaves hospital

A warm day with sun and cloudy intervals. Early to The Lady and a coat of varnish for the rear cabin – the second. Then to glue and sand the mast in final preparation. In late morning, tired out by the exertion, to town for some shopping and then on to the Happy Eater at Deborah’s request for a meal and Lego! After some more work and another coat of varnish on the boat, we get a call from David Slater’s wife. It seems he was in the office today and cracked up, incapable of work or even driving home. She is obviously shocked and upset, blaming me for his condition which Diana feels is most unfair.

This afternoon a visit from Peter, Jane and his children and brother with whom we had a nice barbeque tea. The kids enjoyed the tea, garden swings and slide and also feeding the ducks. Peter is returning tonight to stay in Peterborough before looking again tomorrow at houses in the local area. Late evening clearing up outside and applying a second coat of varnish to The Lady’s mast. Bill called me over and we swapped views on the superiority of varnished mahogany boats. He is still obviously lonely following the departure of his wife but is fortunately enjoying his times by the river.

Tonight Mrs Thatcher leaves hospital and the high altitude balloon attempt fails with disastrous damage. The first match of American football is played between visiting teams at Wembley and I personally hope it is the last.