A difficult review with Ian before a better meeting on Quality and Personnel as John takes he service department out for lunch and I stay behind writing. Thatcher is victorious at her conference as Sarah Keys emerges and Cecil Parkinson is ushered away.

On time to the office and, with irritation about the late arrival of my colleagues, I urgently complete a few matters in my office before reviewing the mail and meeting Ian at 10.00 to discuss a difficult review. An hour of wrangling over this issue prior to an excellent Quality Policy meeting with Ian and Carlton that agreed a number of good actions to help establish our Quality Plan.

After lunch, meetings with Derek Morgan on the fraught problems of financing our new building and Carlton Lowe on the probable increase in manufacturing levels made necessary by the forecast sales growth. Then to resolve a number of personnel issues with David and a briefing on the months orders and billings which are looking good. John Lamb took the Service department to a lunchtime drink today to improve their sense of involvement and morale. Late at the office writing up the minutes of the Quality Meeting and letters to PERA to apply for free consultancy.

News today of a public statement published in The Times by Miss Sarah Keys, ex-mistress of Cecil Parkinson, that led later on to the resignation of the Minister and lightening exit from the Conservative Party Conference. An amazing day and end to the conference as Mrs Thatcher is awarded the customary conference accolade at the close political associate of the PM is drummed out of office. Quite a week for the Conservative Party.  

Diana and Daniel tonight in great disarray and argument over the food he is given each evening. Much upset all round as I tell them both off and ask them to stop battling.