To Ely by car for the auction on a better day with my headache blessedly over without successful purchase of flatware but to buy a a fine drawing set and few antiques and with joy to see Patience, The Lady’s sister vessel moored nearby. Home to many messages received during my absence and to hear news of the shocking Jasmine Beckford child neglect enquiry and of virulent ‘Flu epidemic in Staffordshire due to more exposure from travel and of a political clash with Thatcher over the DHS review.
Another restless night with Daniella, but took the opportunity to take a couple of paracetamol tablets and woke up with the headache blessedly gone. A quicker start to the day – the paper first and then to get washed and dressed a little earlier than usual. After feeding the birds and collecting 9 eggs, I intended to spend another day in the office, but opted instead to go to Ely for the Comins Auction. A pleasant day, misty at first, but warm and the sun eventually shone through. Strange to visit Ely by car. It takes about ¾ hr instead of a day or two by boat, but it is always a pleasure to visit the waterside part. The auction was set out in The Maltings, an old building now converted for public use. A long, slow auction, with the bids small and longwinded. The furniture sales went apace with over £2,000 for the best Welsh dresser. The ‘ring’ seemed to operate well and achieved a coup with only a few hundred paid for a smaller one. Then the silver and, although it was a poor auction and many items going at low prices and others failing to meet their reserve, I did not buy anything as it did not suit me. Copious cups of tea and odd scones and rolls to eat and, as I waited for the other items to come round, I walked around the boatyard to look at Patience. This is a sister craft of The Lady and used to be in good condition, but has deteriorated sharply, which is a shame.
Back in time to bid successfully for an antique pocket compass (£10), a set of old drawing instruments (£20), two candlesticks (£10) and an old car-type foot warmer (£18). Satisfied with my purchases, home by car to play with the children in the garden. Della’s first introduction to the swing and slide and a grumpy Daniel enjoyed the frolic with Dabbie. Tea with the family and then a couple of hours starting the renovation of my purchased items – the drawing set is going to be really wonderful. Marked F Pockington on every item, complete, and made by Elliots of 30 Strand Charing Cross, it should be possible to date it by research. In eventually to catch up on my diary and check out the news and mail. It seems that the share money (£100K+) arrived today and I must deposit it in the morning. No less than 12 messages on my answering machine, but no conscience as I give enough time free to the BMMG anyway and I deserve some spare time. The main news today of the pathologists report in the Jasmine Beckford enquiry, describing her body as ‘almost like a concentration camp victim’ when she died. Just one of several child abuse cases in recent times. More deaths in Staffordshire hospitals from the virulant flu virus that has led to 5/6 admissions per day. No reasons yet given, but I am sure that these infections are getting worse year by year and, with recent weather, will only become a bigger problem with higher population levels and widespread travel. A rody Commons debate, with clashes between Kinnock and Thatcher as the government are accused of reconsidering certain NHS benefits, in spite of election assurances to the contrary. Todays fine weather is due to depressions warm sector lingering for a while and more northerly winds, cold, rain and even snow are forecast for tomorrow.