Morning reading and studying the investment news before buying more antique silver with 1873 emerging as favourites whilst Diana cries because I loan our carry-cot until Mum and Dad arrive for a visit and we show them around the gardens as Thatcher arrives back wrongly claiming that she was 'batting for Britain' when she was actually foul-mouthing our institutions
Awake a little earlier after a relaxing night. Morning tea and to read yesterday’s Investors Chronicle and Economist, whilst Diana made a lovely cooked breakfast. After, to The Sunday Times and thus up-to-date on news and current affairs. Out, after washing and dressing, to the birds. 9 eggs from the Campbells, in spite of a poor food ration, and the doves fed well and tamely from the table at last. Out in the car to Buckden for the antiques fair and bought a half-service of 6 tea spoons of Thomas & George Hayter pattern, being 1818 and matching two table spoons made by them of 1819 in my possession. George rose to become the Prime Warden of the Goldsmith’s Company in both 1854 and 1863, alone amongst spoon makers to that achievement. Also to purchase some tea knives cheaply and matching 1873 salt spoons (2) of HH to my tea spoons of the same maker dated 1872 and a CB salt spoon to do likewise, although of differing dates.
Off to Kimbolton to see the new 10 stands there, but saw no silver of interest and bought only an extending toasting fork of the last century for £4 and I will use it well. Home to find Diana a bit worse for wear preparing the lunch and made it worst by phoning Freda and arranging for the loan of our carry-cot, as Diana is sad to see it go and cried for the lost associations and the end of babyhood. To a simple lunch of crisps and sausages, with chocolate cake to follow and then I polished and sorted my silver to join my other collection. Most pleased with the condition of my Hayter items and pledged to find more of the same, if at all possible. Then Mum and Dad arrive and a pleasant afternoon chatting and reminiscing, whilst Mum played with Daniella and Dad with Deborah. Diana did a nice tea and I took our guests for a walk around the gardens. The chill wind was blowing and, although fine, we are still suffering the April gales. After tea to finish my silver and then to read Debbie some bedtime poetry, which Daniel also came in and enjoyed. To my journal and then to read whilst watching snooker on the television. Diana gave me bread and cereal scraps, which I ground up to feed the ducks today. Just as well as they were very hungry and missing their normal layers pellets. News tonight of the return of Thatcher, claiming that she was, “putting the case for Britain” during her tour. The row continues over rigging criticisms of the TGWU leaders ballot last year, with nearing consensus on a re-ballot to avoid further criticisms.