Day dominated by the Miners’ Dispute as we visit Jordon’s Mill in Biggelswade for our duck and pigeon food
Another day of personal and school holiday and so a fair lay in, reading the FT and digesting the weekend’s news. The NUM have really suffered from adverse publicity over the contacts with Libya and, in the wake of the NACODS settlement, are now the ones under pressure. On the other hand the NCB Chairman, Ian McGregor, has stood down Michael Eaton, his new Publicity Spokesman, after pressure from his Vice Chairman and Personnel Director. In a bitter House of Commons row the Energy Spokesman, Peter Walker, exploited decisions in the oppositions ranks to escape unharmed from this latter news and the media continue to make hay whilst the sun shines at Scargill’s expense. After breakfast, and checking the business mail at 39 Gordon Road, we set off for Biggleswade leaving Deborah at school and Daniel to his own devices. At the millers we get three large bags of layers pellets for the ducks and one of mixed corn which we think will be suitable for our doves when they arrive.
On to the town centre to buy fruit, nuts and withdraw some money from the bank before back to St Neots to get some vegetables and flowers. I had tried in both places to find books on the keeping of doves or pigeons without success but we are due to try Cambridge tomorrow and hope for more luck. Lunch at The Little Chef, more reading and then I wash the Jaguar for the first time in weeks. A quiet evening watching the television and studying brochures on building society investments. It seems that I should invest £2,000 in a 10 year bond and also open an account with Nottingham BS which is linked to Prestel and The Bank of Scotland. Diana visited the Doctor today, but is in much less pain with her breasts and seems to be recovering. I also received a nice long letter from Freda and am beginning to understand her finances a bit better now and see some solutions. The weather calmer and warmer today.