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Time completing my Company Administration and catching up on reading about our publicity as Daniel goes on a Game Fair school trip and we play his game upon his return. Diana very tired and grumpy from Debbie’s illness and her own sickness and, possibly, a new pregnancy
Fairly early to wake as Diana is up to get Daniel off to a school trip to London. He goes in company with other pupils to a Games Fair where he buys a new games cassette for his BBC microcomputer; “Dog Fight.” Later today, on his return, I spend a merry hour or two playing the game with him which allows the players to assume the role of fighter pilots engaged in mortal combat. This, after a morning in bed reading the Sunday Times and pleased to see myself, Comart and Byte Shop as well as the British Microcomputer manufacturers group mentioned in an article on the microcomputer industry. The theme is the sort out that is presently taking place; as IBM take an increasing hold on the market and many other suppliers falter.
In late morning, Becky comes round to play with Debbie and it is a pity that David’s visit has coincided with the one Sunday school trip that has been organised for Daniel. Before lunch to feed the ducks who seem none the worse for their night out away from the riverside fireworks. An afternoon and evening mostly on company administration but distracted by an afternoon football match televised live and an evening film. In the end I manage to complete the Comart Ltd returns in draft and also compile a register of sealings from passed application. A row today with Diana who is very tired and irritable after Debbie’s night time sickness. Her mood provokes me to slap her which I am afterwards very sorry for. There is a good chance that her morning sickness means that she is again with child. To bed later than intended after a hundred dog fights.
News today of the aftermath of all the recent bomb outrages, and also of the suspected ill health of the Russian Premier, Andropov. The PLO leader Yasser Arafat is besieged in Tripoli by the rebel soldiers and the Syrians and his forthcoming defeat will herald an end of an era.
The weather has been quite mild this weekend with temperatures in the fifties and no rain.
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Debbie is unwell as I work on company administration and then welcome friends for tea before we have a fireworks party as a North Sea oil rig diving bell fails, killing its crew
A very unsettled and sleepless night with Debbie awake and sick a half-dozen times. Early to rise and after breakfast to St Neots and the doctor with Debbie. He diagnoses a tummy upset with no medicine or treatment needed other than plenty of liquids and rest. Later to mind Debbie and get my personal accounts up to date, paying over above £1000 to Diana for the monthly housekeeping and expenses ahead of Christmas. To watch television and films about the Monaco Grand Prix motor racing and, after lunch, the story of the Mayflower.
In late afternoon to undertake company administration for Comart Ltd before John and Brenda Tomblin arrived with Becky and David. They had recently moved from Gordon Road and had returned for the evening Guy Fawkes bonfire, fireworks and celebrations. First to a handsome tea of cakes, sandwiches, tea and soft drinks and, after helping them unload and get installed in 39 Gordon Road, to Eddie and Stella’s for the celebrations. A good feast of fireworks and food and wearily home to writing and bed after setting off numerous fireworks and playing with the youngsters.
News today of the recapture of Arthur Hutchinson, another murderer who had escaped a month ago after a triple murder. A disaster on the “Byford Dolphin” north sea oil rig where several men were killed in a diving bell accident after the bell sections separated and exploded. Defence secretary Heseltine is attempting to excuse his insensitive remarks on shooting Greenham Common protesters today but nobody is convinced. Further comment today on yesterday’s explosion in the North East garage in Bradford where gas cylinders are thought to be responsible.
Debbie tonight has lasted the days exertions well after a sleepy morning. The ducks were let out for the night to avoid the noise and flashes of the riverside celebrations. These days they are only laying a single egg per day between them which is a great disappointment. On time to bed to catch up on some rest and sleep.
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Working day of meetings on Quality, Public Relations, and Comart and Byte Shop performance, which look good but I worry about growing competition before a family bonfire party and tea whilst Daniel gets on okay at Kimbolton and Killer Nielson’s dastardly deeds are revealed and world leaders tussle with the atrocities at the Lebanon, Grenada and Ulster
News today of the conviction of Nielson the horrific killer who strangled his victims and boiled their heads etc. Another atrocity in Lebanon where the Israeli base was subject of a bomb-packed lorry attack whilst the Geneva talks on Lebanon break up for the time being. In an IRA bomb attack in Belfast, two police were killed and many more injured at the Ulster Polytechnic. In Grenada, Russian diplomats were bundled out ignominiously after cases of weapons had been found amongst their possessions. It seems that the relationship between the USA and Russia deteriorates by the day which is increasingly dangerous for world peace.
For my own efforts, early to the office and there to prepare my papers for the day. A quality meeting this morning with a programme for incoming material under discussion. Lunch with MEPR, the new public relations consultancy selected by John for Comart and with good prospects of obtaining much better coverage in the journals. An afternoon clearing mail, completing correspondence and filing the review minutes of the last Comart and Byte Shop meetings. Afternoon discussions with John and David who are optimistic of the future product and sales prospects. There is no doubt in my mind, however, that we face an uphill battle against the microcomputer manufacturers who can marshal large resources.
The family are well and arrangements are in hand for the Tomblins to visit overnight tomorrow for tea and a bonfire/firework party. Daniel enjoying Kimbolton School and learning etiquette and French with equanimity.
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Catch up day at work on my 37th birthday, letters re industry affairs and overviewing Comart plans for Compec as Gordon goes ape on our Byte Shop Glasgow plans all before an evening watching ‘Battleship Gallactica’ with Daniel.
Early to the office and preparations for the day. At last I am getting up to date paperwork and minutes of meetings. Letters to the DTI’s Alistair McDonald about Export IT and to the CRA in objection to their planned moves to include computer manufacturers. I hope to get satisfaction in both of these matters with the survival of Expot IT and withdrawal of the CRA to behind the demarcation lines. Meetings with David, John and Ian to establish Comart’s product launches for Compec and the basis for expansion by further recruitment within the sales team. To assist June in clearing her office and adding a temporary table for the new personnel assistant who is to start on Monday. Progress by John with Robin Adams who is, however, unlikely to stay. An alarming letter from Gordon Coventry who is daily occupying more extreme positions and will undoubtedly soon be leaving us in Glasgow.
Home tonight early to a birthday tea and candle-lit cake with the children. Good selection of cards and presents in recognition of today my 37th birthday including my family, secretary and a sad addition from Irena which does not please Di. An evening distracted from work by the television screening of ‘Battleship Gallactica’ which was of great pleasure to Daniel. On time to bed without word of news before tomorrow.
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Comart people problems and job offers, industry magazine interviews and new stock security measures occupy my time as Grenada talks continue, Greenham Women are jailed and a monument is dedicated to Earl Mountbatten
On time to the office courtesy of Diana and a lift in her car, and first to correlate the mail and hold an exit interview with Ian of Robin Adams. I am not sure that Ian has learnt all of the lessons as a result. Late this morning a long interview with Liza of Computer News about Comart and the BMMG. I am now getting press interviews in person and by phone thick and fast and it is all to the good. An afternoon signing more job offers and resolving matters of security (of equipment removed from the building) and implementation of the stock pools.
News today of partial US withdrawal from Grenada with a wish to pass over to a Commonwealth peacekeeping force if this could be arranged within a week or so. Injured Cubans are returned home. 8 Greenham Common women are jailed today as more missile launchers are flown in. A team of women with a lawyer fly to the States to try to get a court injunction on grounds of ‘inhumanity.’ Neilson’s mass murders are still a subject of popular interest as the case is summed up at the Old Bailey. A poignant moment today as a memorial was dedicated to Earl Mountbatten and unveiled by the Queen in Whitehall.
Tonight I elect to stay at home and work as the pouring rain puts me off of the Kimbolton firework display. Diana and Daniel still go, however, and are rewarded by an excellent display as the rain ceases. Di is upset by my non-participation and not very sympathetic to my present workloads and preoccupation with business affairs.