Another day with Dad and Daniel, shopping and building the Kyoshi Progress as Mum progresses well at Papworth and Thatcher now speaks to Reagan on Arms Control during her US trip
A fair lay in before breakfast and the normal routine, but rather later than usual. The doves were hungry again with the colder weather overnight. Very late to complete the chores and it wasn’t until 10.45am that I get along to the office with Daniel to resume our construction of Progress. Today the front suspension before back to Willow Close and all out to The Happy Eater, Grandad and all. A pleasant lunch (though Debbie was not very good) and then Dad parts for Papworth whilst we set off for Biggleswade. A good hours shopping – Daniel and I bought a half stilton cheese, prawns, herrings, chestnuts and a pretty paraffin lamp for Di’s Christmas present. Di was less successful with her shopping. Home to put the ducks away and light the fire before a tea of grilled herrings and stilton/digestive biscuits to follow. Dad returns and reports Mum as all right, then we have a few chestnuts roasted on the fire and watch a tearful Christmas film on the television. News tonight of the world spotlights on arms limitation. Thatcher is talking to Reagan on her US trip, Marshall Sokolov is chosen as the USSR Minister of Defence and the USSR is solemnly warning that no agreement can be made that permits an arms race in space.
Road crashes accompany the holiday traffic and 5 people die under a jack-knifed lorry near Southampton and others are injured. An 8 year old boy was the sole survivor of a family of four in Carmarthen. The weather has been mild and showery.