Organising BMMG Industry meetings with Alvey and the CCTA as I also approve Comart group expenses whilst the US report over 400 lives lost and many helicoptors in Grenada and Arafat retreats to Tripoli
News today of unofficial losses of US lives in Grenada of 424 with numerous helicopters shot down with up to at least 100 civilians killed during the bomb attack on a mental hospital. The Cubans had been particularly deadly with sam6 and wire-guided missiles. Official channels discount these numbers but the military have leaked them. Arafat is still in retreat with the Syrian-backed PLO rebels hedging him into Tripoli. In America, the Greenham Common women are taking the government to court without any tangible chance of success. Back in England, more demonstrations on Greenham Common and Lakenheath, closer to home, as Mrs Thatcher goes on record as appealing to the Russians to dismantle SS20’s. The talks in Bonn and Geneva do not seem to make progress. US President Reagan is in Japan for summit talks on trade and other matters. In the UK court of appeal, the decision was made to overturn the judgement that previously allowed telecom union members to black the Mercury network.
Early to the office today and first to authorise the group’s expenses, rejecting some that continue to disregard group procedure. Then to the mail and after to clear all manner of correspondence. June is now getting visible support from Helen and is increasingly able to undertake more work for me. Off to the Anchor at Tempsford to meet BMMG vice-chairman Nigel Smith and discuss several industry issues. Arrangements are in hand for a meeting with Alvey Director, Brian Oakley, and also a personal meeting with Dr Paul Freeman of CCTA. This afternoon completing company administration and organising a presentation of a 100% club medal to Peter Barlow for achieving last year’s quota.
Weather again very fine, sunny and mild and the family well.