Arrival of the new furnishings for our boat The Lady before a day spent on computer industry affairs, placating the DTI and negotiating with Rob Wilmot at ICL for mutual support of our initiatives as Thatcher refuses to follow World moves to implement sanctions against South Africa for Apartheid atrocities and ploughs on with plans to privatise the Royal Docks
Awake a little later this morning, but with a splitting headache. Diana too is so affected and we wonder why. Down to a breakfast of cereal, milk and fruit juice and then back up to read today’s Financial Times and last week’s Economist. I sit on our folding bedroom chair with the balcony door open on a very warm and sunny morning. Diana cuts my hair, then I wash it, shower, shave and dress before going out to feed the doves and ducks. The birds are back to their usual routine with the ducks laying reasonably well, but Marilyn tells me today that the ducks were very hungry and pestered her for food last week. As I finish, the boat cushion and curtain upholsterer, Mr Waley, was unloading his van and then fitted the new furnishings. The boat cushions are very good, but the curtains are a poor fit and certain of them were taken away for modifications. To the office rather late and first to return a call to Bill Barrett of the BMMG secretariat and advise him on a few points. Later I also get a call from Geoff Knight at the DTI reacting to computer journalists who have sensed that our BMMG initiative on LANs is losing momentum. We exchange views, he is reassured and galvanised to receive me when back from holiday in a month’s time to hear my news. Also a call from Rob Wilmott, ICL Chairman, who is canvassing my help on lobbying OFTEL/DTI on VAN licence conditions (which I promise) and in return will try to interest his colleagues further in our LAN initiative, which could make a crucial difference. As the afternoon proceeds I type in the amendments to our investment summary and complete it by the end of the day. There were a great deal of changes, but it is more settled now with less equities, more property, and the children have their money invested for the longer term. I also use the sprinkler today to water the turves to keep them moist and avoid shrinkage on a warm day. In tonight to the TV news and details emerging of the 400+ arrests in South Africa under the new emergency regime, which has been condemned by all outside nations. The UK government, however, refuses still to institute economic sanctions to follow those being proposed by the US. Reagan turns out today in a showpiece appearance to welcome the Chinese leader, which is a hideous event so soon after his operation. Heseltine announces the adoption of private management for the Royal Dockyards in spite of the advice of two Commons All-Party Select Committees to the contrary. BNFL are convicted of offences of nuclear pollution today, which is a national scandal. More warm weather is forecast tomorrow – even warmer than today – which means that we will probably have another barbeque tomorrow as tonight’s was very enjoyable.