The 42mi road journey via St Neots to collect The Laws in the Reliant to the Rushden Historical Vehicle Rally where ‘Percy’ attracted lots of interest both parked up and in the parade. Further news today of the IRA killings in Holland when a car bomb was followed-up by a shooting and further injuries as well as the two deaths. British anti-terrorist security forces are going over to help there and Israeli troops are making a large sweep in southern Lebanon for Palestinian guerrillas. A propaganda war in the ferry dispute as P&O ferries start operating in Dover, other P&O ferries and ports are drawn into the strike. Unrest in Poland, as the Solidarity movement leaders are arrested
A good night, but I am still suffering from morning stiffness after my subdued nights. Up quite early this morning to get ready for our Reliant road run to Rushden. Got out to start Percy and check it over thoroughly and all seemed well, then I fed the ducks and doves, locked the house up and made to start off. Took Daniella in Percy with me and Diana followed in the Range Rover. We got to St Neots Riverside Park just after 10.00am and attracted quite a deal of attention before the start of the road run to Rushden at 10.30. We met John, Pat Law and their children and persuaded them to come with us and so John and the three girls piled in Percy and the ladies followed on. The drive to Rushden was quite uneventful, with the engine running well throughout. We were dodging showers, but were fortunate to avoid any downpour that would have threatened our prize possession. We all stopped for an ice cream in Higham Ferrers and then drove right on to the Rushden Hall Park site. As a participant, we had no entrance fees to pay and later received a cast brass plaque as well for entering. We parked amongst the commercial vehicles, which was very convenient for the fairground, stalls and amusements. Percy attracted a good deal of fascinated attention all day, with so many people gazing into the open windows and admiring the signwriting.
The family had a nice time on the rides, whilst I looked around the stalls and bought sets of 3/8” and 5/16” BSW and BSF taps for my future engine repairs. I was well pleased. We bought lunch of chicken, rolls and doughnuts for me (baked potato and beans for Diana) and crisps and things for the children. John and Pat bought sandwiches. After lunch, more amusements, then Di and Pat took off with Amy and Della to collect Debbie and prepare for a party and John and I stayed back and waited for a parade date at 2.00pm. Percy circled with pride in front of the crowd and a very apt commentary was given from notes that I had previously provided. A short wait before collecting my commemoration plaque and then we drove home. Percy had then done a round trip of 42 miles without hiccup and I was proud. This evening, I wiped and polished its body work and then Moira came round with the printed Shuttleworths and canvass results analysed, and John Mathewman arrived with our telling pads and for a chat. Late getting inside and locked up and later updating my journal. The main news story is the aftermath of the IRA killings, when a car bomb and follow up shooting led to two deaths, an amputation of a serviceman’s foot, and other serious injuries. Now British anti-terrorist security forces are going over to help in the hunt for the terrorists and security awareness of British forces personnel is being sharply increased. Israeli troops are making a large sweep in southern Lebanon for Palestinian guerrillas, due to recent security reverses. In the ferry war, a big battle is in progress for the minds of the blackleg workers, as propaganda is the norm. As P&O ferries start operating in Dover, other P&O ferries and ports are drawn into the strike. The effect of injunctions from other firms against the NUS for ‘secondary picketing’ are ineffectual, as the union is expecting to have its assets sequestrated tomorrow anyway. Unrest in Poland, as the Solidarity movement leaders are arrested and the outcome of the demonstrations unclear. Steve Davis wins the World Professional Snooker Championship for the 5th time and I am pleased.