Morning in the office on take-over business and then to St Neots with the family lunch before showing them Grove House as the miners seek international solidarity
A relatively early start for a Saturday and a toast breakfast as normal. Off to the office to see the Peat investigators and John Lamb. John arrived about 8.45am but not before I had phoned Beth and learned of his impending arrival. To see how she replied and take four answers to tell me he was due – as always a grudging influence on his job and career if it takes him away from home. She may have to be a little more courteous and encouraging to his new boss. A long chat with John and explained why I did not want to worry Daniel Fear with the full story because of his marriage problems nor distract Ian Nickson from his intensive development effort. Then to let the auditors in and supply them with certain statutory papers that they require. The rest of the time until 11.00am studying the Pension and Share scheme deeds which will have to be changed in order to complete the takeover, and lastly the Articles of Association and text books to see what notice is necessary to complete the deal – 21 days maximum. Then home to collect Diana and Debbie and drive to St Neots Market Square.
Today is St Neots Folk Day and half a dozen teams of Morris Dancers were taking over the corner to present their dancing and music. A merry site and I was particularly impressed by the tradition of the dance by the St Neots Chimney Sweeps and Milk Maids. Between times I managed to get to the bank and also the sweet shop with Deborah. She is now always collecting lots of individual small sweets in a bag and presenting quite a counting problem. Daniel arrives off of the Kimbolton bus with Gary Skinner and we drive him home and exchange Daniel’s BBC Micro for Gary’s Sinclair Micro on loan. Gary’s mother, an attractive slim blond with a Swiss or German accent, escorts us in and shows us her very prim and tidy lounge. At last off to The Happy Eater for our traditional lunch and then on to Grove House to show the family round. They are very impressed with its magnificence as a family home – let alone an office – and predictably cannot see how I can leave it! Home to an afternoons television coverage of the FA Cup Final where Everton beat Watford 2-0. Then to a tea of prawns and sweet of strawberries before off to St Neots Fair where Daniel and his friend Paul are carried so fast they almost feel sick and need a candyfloss each to recover. A quiet evening putting the ducks away and reading in bed. Geoff Lynch tried to call me but did not persevere and I am glad – he is such an aggravation to me these days. News today that the miners are seeking international action to stop coal imports. The weather still attempting sun with cloudy spells and the ground very dry and parched so that a downpour would be welcome.