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London trip to support U-Micro delayed by traffic jam but I arrive only to have my car clamped for parking illegally. On to Cahners to discuss their BIT’85 micro show cancellation and then home to relax and hear news of last-minute pit talks and OPEC’s move to support oil as South Africa sends in 7000 troops to the back townships
Up early and after washing, dressing and eating breakfast, I set off by car for London. After ten minutes, between Biggleswade and Sandy, the A1 was hopelessly blocked by an overturned lorry and I lost a half hour almost stationery in a traffic queue. Eventually on to London where the traffic was as congested as much as I have known it as I struggled to South Kensington and the Stanhope Court Hotel, a quarter hour late at 10.15am. I heard the presentation by Dr Bill Unsworth and colleagues at this U-Micro press conference before assisting with questions and declarations of support from the BMMG. After, I had the chance to talk to Adrian Grillee of the DTI and the Digital Research representative as well to spread the word on BMMG causes. Outside to my car and, horror of horrors, I find that a wheel clamp has been fitted (to immobilise it) by the authorities for illegal parking in a residents parking bay.
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Office day organising the BMMG and planning my finances with a gift to my sister Freda until John Lamb visits to voice his frustrations at Comart under Kode and then Daniel brings home his ‘girlfriend’ Christine as miners talks continue at ACAS and OPEC cuts oil production to support the price
Up and breakfast today of corn flakes and apple juice to drink. To the bathroom for hair wash, shower and shave, but late to the office at 9.30am. A day working at the office without a single phone call and time to catch up with correspondence and bill paying and organise a few affairs. I sent the BMMG newsletter back for copying to the members; my report for the Council Members; and spoke to both Nigel Smith and Helen Gibbons to make sure the other action items were under control. After some financial planning, I decide to put the majority of my cash back on a month’s deposit when it matures on Wednesday, but keep £10/20K in a 7 day building society deposit for more ready access. Time to write to Freda again and we offer £3000 as a gift, as she declined a commercial loan. After office hours, John Lamb came round to talk over business. It seems he needed to talk things over and was quite tense and frustrated with work and his colleagues. Still, he seemed the better for discussing it and is doing quite well really. Daniel brings home Christine, his girlfriend, with Paul and plays computer for an hour and she seems quite sweet.
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Leisurely day of catching up on the news and watching televised sport as security measures are tightened after the Brighton bombing ready for the opening of Parliament as the four dead are remembered
A poor night with one of my wakeful times before venturing to the toilet and then sleeping fine until morning. A lay in, breakfast of fried eggs, bacon and bread and then my Sunday Times arrived late and was read cover to cover. Very late to dress after washing and shaving and then to clean out the duck hutch as my only activity before lunch. A chicken lunch, and pears to follow and then an afternoon watching snooker and the Portuguese Grand Prix. In an exciting last motor race of the season, Nicki Louder came second behind McLaren team mate Alan Proste; but by doing so won the driver’s championship by half a point. Then tea of my smoked mackerel with strawberries and ice cream to follow; the ice cream so cold that it froze the strawberries and made them crunchy.
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Erecting the Pole Dovecote by the river with Debbie before collecting Daniel late from his party conquest of Christine as the Pit Deputies strike gathers pace
A slow start to the day, reading the FT and laying in until breakfast; then sitting in the lounge with Debbie keeping her company whilst she drew and then learnt to write letters. Eventually, in mid-morning to get washed, dressed and go out to erect the dovecot pole by the river. Debbie insisted on helping as we first let out the ducks, removed the mail at No 39, and then laid wooden planks over the soil border and dug a deep hole. The weather was bright but very windy today – the barometer has been riding a switchback for several days – but we eventually had the pole in position, cemented in with steadying rocks holding it upright. The hole was not filled and we had to buy another concrete mix bag later on. A little later we all set off for St Neots to buy seafood, vegetables and collect Daniel from Readwells. Diana took Daniel to get new jeans for his party tonight. Then all off to The Happy Eater for lunch, then home for me to finish the cementing job and make sure, by spirit level, that the pole was upright. Somewhat tired, into the lounge to read the rest of The Economist and Investors Chronicle, and to worry about Freda’s response to my offer of loan. It seems she might have been offended or put off by my business-like tone and we are resolved to make another try with partial gift. A very fidgety Debbie prompted me to take her for a long walk to the swings and back and we tried to see some locally kept doves, but failed.