Damp and dismal office day working on industry and private affairs as US shuttle Discovery saves its second faulty satellite and the Church of England Synod kicks off the process of allowing female priests
Up a bit late, but not concerned after last night and my planned day of office work. Read the paper in detail to catch up with much of the recent news. Foreign Secretary, Sir Geoffrey Howe, has lost a battle to prevent a cut in overseas aid; the US space shuttle, Discovery, manage to save the second ‘rogue’ satellite and, in China, thousands of criminals are being executed in a public ‘education’ programme. In Istanbul, the England football team trounced Turkey 8-0 in a World Cup qualifying round to bring long needed confidence into the Nations football circles. In financial markets, the levels are slipping again over US budget deficits and lowering confidence and the BT share issue is beginning to overhang the UK markets a little. Worldwide insurance companies are doing worse with large claims and unwillingness to pay increased premiums. I make it to the office eventually and process a deal of mail and reply to many matters. Ticket applications for the next two computer exhibitions, copies of my investment portfolio to stockbrokers and accountant, instructions to the BMMG secretarial and replies copied on general correspondence to Baptiste, a Tory MP, and potential BMMG members. Several export opportunities to South Africa and Sweden were also passed on and text written for a membership export plea.
Much reading also accomplished and papers ordered either side of my lunchtime break. By the time this all done it was getting dark in mid-afternoon. How depressing to see dusk at 3.30-4.00pm and I long for warmer months. Just time to scale the ladder again and clean out the dove cote replacing their water and food. It was still raining a little and the last few days have been both damp and wet. Then to put the ducks away for the night before relaxing in the lounge before tea. A meal of modest means and a tired evening resting and watching some interesting television, putting press cuttings in my folder and starting the process of catching up on the last two days journal. News tonight of NUM defiance in the face, of successful NCB propaganda on the return to work drift. Also of the chances of the Church intervening to mediate and conciliate for a settlement. The Church of England Synod approves the creation of women priests in principle, but still needs a 2/3 vote next year to approve the details in practice and a bit of history as Edward du Cann, the Tory backbencher is ousted as the leader of the 1922 Committee by a former Minister, Cranley Onslow, after 12 years in the post. To bed a little late and to sleep soundly.