Manchester Airport Fire
Manchester Airport Fire

Off to Wroxham with packed lunches today and the successful hire of a day-boat with which we visited Bridge Broad, Wroxham Broad, Salhouse Broad and Ranworth and then back via Horning and Wroxham admiring the riverside houses before back to Mundesley for some swimming and our evening meal as a packed holiday flight taking off from Manchester catches on fire and 54 die whilst industrial disputes plague Thatcher’s divided Britain

A good night’s sleep and Diana’s worst fears were not confirmed – Della awoke fit and well. Down to an uneventful breakfast on a fine and sunny day – the rain had passed by quite harmlessly in the night. We collected our packed lunches and set off early to Wroxham and the boat yard of Geo Smith. On arrival all of their day boats were reserved, but a neighbouring yard were able to oblige and we had soon set forth on a nice craft. The recent designs are about 14/6ft in length, fairly wide in the beam and powered by a strong diesel engine. The cabin had an open roof and sliding canopy of canvas and another on hoops can cover the rear cockpit. The whole can be opened up for a cool trip on a sunny day (like today) or covered in with the heater going when it is cold. We set off upstream, stopped for coffee at a riverside café and then went under Wroxham Bridge to tour and photograph Bridge Broad.

Back downstream and on past the picturesque riverside houses in Wroxham, before turning into Wroxham Broad, where the contrast and expanse of wide water is quite dramatic. On to Salhouse Broad, where we eat our packed lunches – which were very good – and then on to another picturesque waterside setting at Horning. This time we moored and looked around the shops before having a drink at the pub and setting off again. Downstream again to Ranworth Broad, which was the limit of our journey. We walked up to the local village stores/post office to post some cards and buy ice creams and snacks. We managed the cruise well and I took some nice video pictures, which will be appreciated by our parents back home. We cruised back and drove home in time for a quick swim in the hotel pool. The water had cooled down again, but the evening was warm and so Daniel, Debbie and I did enjoy it. Up to our room and to replay the film of today’s exploits and then I bath and shave and change for dinner. I manage at last to read my FT whilst Diana does the same and so we were both ready fairly early at 8.00 to go down to dinner. Very pleased on the way to see that they had found my Countryman book and were keeping it at reception. A nice meal, but the dining room was laid out for their regular Thursday dinner dance and the group started playing as we finished our meal and left. It was a shame that others did the same, but with no warning, people were not prepared for it. We go up, get the children into bed, and switch on the TV. News today of the dramatic holiday plane fire at Manchester, where 54 die and 85 survive an engine explosion. It was ¾ of the way down the runway when it happened and panic broke out in the plane as they struggled to get to the front and away from the fire. The Prime Minister visited to see the wreckage and the injuries of those in hospital. The Daily Mirror publication was suspended today after a dispute between the print unions and the management. Staff were dismissed today and Maxwell seems to be confronting the unions. The row over the alleged Russian use of tracing powder goes on, with Russia now protesting over the allegations. British Rail are posting more dismissal notices today, but an NUR national ballot takes place tomorrow and will probably close the network down