Relaxing day reading my Interview in Computing about IBM, getting library books and visiting RSPB Sandy Lodge for bird and nest box publications before returning home to enjoy our first open fire in our new fireplace as Thatcher wins the GCHQ battle but loses the PR war.
A fair lay in until 10.00am punctuated only by rising for quarter of an hour to eat a breakfast of toast and apple juice. During this time, a full opportunity to read all of the computer journals and other papers that were brought home for the weekend. In ‘Computing’ a report from an interview with me where I am critical of the moves by the CCTA director to reduce its role and quoted as stating that IBM should be kept off of the approved list for microcomputer suppliers to government. Up at 10 and half an hour washing, bathing and generally getting ready and then out to release the ducks, feed them and collect 8 eggs. We had a new customer come to the door today as we are again displaying the ‘eggs for sale’ sign. Off with Diana and Debbie to St Neots and with Debbie to the library whilst Diana went shopping. A minor disaster as we discovered Di had my library ticket but I got out some books and a story tape for Debbie and looked at the local history books.
The local historian has put together an information pack on Little Paxton with details of the old Park and Manor House which are now destroyed. We all rendezvous at the Fish Shop for 12.00 noon and buy ¾ lb of prawns for tea. Then over to the newsagents to meet Daniel off his bus and I buy a good book on Bird Eggs and Nests. Off together down the A1 to the Happy Eater for a good lunch and then through Sandy intending to go to Cambridge but we stop at the RSPB lodge as I have wished to do for some time to buy two nest boxes and a booklet to assist me to build others. A very pleasant place and we all enjoy the shop and agree to come back for the nature trail when the weather improves. Back home via Eaton Socon where we buy a 44lb sack of coal and some firelighters and, arriving home, we also find the missing part (duck head) from our fireplace set arrived. A pleasant afternoon experimenting with the fire and watching Rugby Union (Scotland vs Ireland) on TV. After tea of prawns to watch the film about the Hole in the Wall gang on TV whilst reading up all about the nest boxes. News this morning of the week in parliament where tempers have been poor and frustration high. It has become a very contentious place and all commentators feel that Thatcher may have won the GCHQ battle but lost it in PR terms. Tony Benn starts commenting on the constitutional changes he would like to see including a sharp reduction in Prime Ministerial Powers. The fireplace worked splendidly and is a fine addition to the house.