Worrying about Freda and Alf’s problems as we drive back and stop at Stonehenge before home to hear news of a National Docks Strike
Up, and our morning drinks, after a restless night for Daniel and I. we were both awake wondering about Freda’s future plans and hoping that they can raise some financial income from the land once the initial help is given. Down to our Grenville breakfast and the children manage quite well once they have got used to the routine. After breakfast Di feeds Daniella, whilst Daniel swims for the last time in the hotel pool and Debbie goes down to the play room. Eventually we have packed and I get the chance to check with the telephone answering machine by remote interrogation. Nothing new and so we go to load up the car and check out of the hotel. Time before we set off to walk down to the beach and let the children play first in the ‘bouncy thing’ and then on the peddle go-karts. A round of ice creams and a look in the beach shop for Diana and then it was time to go – but we had got some good video shots.
The start of a long journey, but we stopped at a nice roadside pub for a ploughman’s lunch and sausages and chips for the kids. Onwards in increasing holiday traffic west along the A303 until, thirsty from an overdue tea break, we stopped at Stonehenge on what had become a sunny afternoon after earlier rain. Suitably relaxed and relieved we re-join the holiday route towards London in rising traffic on this first evening of the August Bank Holiday weekend. We turn off of the M3 and make our way along the A412, but have to divert through the back streets as the traffic grinds to a halt at Denim. Eventually home in late evening, tired but able to unload, get the ducks in and check the mail and messages at both houses. Several messages on the Prestel Mailbox service including a couple of telexed replies to my earlier telexes. A little late to bed after catching up on some of the reading matter – newspapers and computer bulletins. News tonight of a National Dock Strike for scheme ports but the City does not act immediately as it goes on holiday for the weekend.