This morning clearing my desk, copying documents and making telephone calls and this afternoon visited my new constituents in Southoe and this evening to Diddington for a village meeting. Kim Philby, the Russian spy, the ‘third man’ in the Burgess and Maclean’ case dies today, the High Court piles more fines on the NUS over the ferry dispute which continues until the P&O management negotiate and Chancellor Lawson’s US comments triggered sharp falls in the world’s stock exchanges
Slept better last night with my rib troubles dulled by my taking a painkiller again. Was soon ready for breakfast and I put the wheat flakes aside for once and toasted myself what I call ‘French toast’. Two buttered slices of white bread, put butter in together and then toasted both sides. This morning I worked away at clearing my desk, copying documents and making telephone calls. I only tended my doves and ducks as an outside job. This afternoon, I continued sorting out the aftermath of the election and then went over to Southoe after tea to meet the local people there. I learnt more of the problems of the council house maintenance at the bottom of Lees Lane. The walls need repainting, the timbers are infested with woodworm and there remain other problems that need to be dealt with. I then chatted to my local flag board display team and helpers and collected the boards. I had taken photographs of the house problems and can progress them. Later this evening, I went to Diddington and attended the first of the twice-yearly village meetings.
For once, it was well attended with a dozen there because of a controversial DCC proposal to move the church grave stones. I met Peter Thornhill Esq, Mr Carpenter of the Estate and many others. The news tonight is of the death of Kim Philby, the Russian spy, the ‘third man’ in the Burgess and Maclean’ case, who eventually became a commander in the KGB. A High Court judge has fined the NUS £150K more, due to defiance of Trade Union law injunctions. The lorry drivers are still blockading the Dover ferry berths, despite the latest ferry company promises. Everyone wants P&O management to negotiate with the NUS. Lawson’s US comments triggered sharp falls in the world’s stock exchanges.