More computer industry calls, correspondence and press coverage on a cold and snowy day before and after a nice family lunch and chance to see The Lady now she has been re-varnished to perfection as home security is a priority with Thatcher hated by many
A short lay in this morning, Diana realising that I had come to bed late. Tea and a fast scan of the paper before breakfast of toast and honey as usual. Up and washed a bit late and out to the doves in falling snow – the barometer had now fallen quite drastically. 5 doves came easily to the table and fed well, but I think it was the indigo hen that was missing. Then to feed the hungry ducks and they had laid 9 eggs for the first time this year! Di is now anxious to sell some as we are getting rather overloaded. To the office before 10.00am and a short morning typing up letters to the BOTB criticising funding cutbacks and offering advice on spending priorities. I also talked to Nigel to update him on the DTI MAP investigation and the IBM’s predatory prices (which I have now cross-checked as being accurate). At 11.30am back to the house for coffee and then off to St Neots to shop. I stayed in the Jaguar as the snow fell heavy and looked after Daniella, whilst Diana bought this week’s provisions at the Co-op. Off then to The Little Chef at Little Paxton for a lunch of liver and bacon and ice cream to follow, accompanied by their generously sized cups of tea. Then to Buckden Marina, where we arrived by appointment at 2.00pm to see over The Lady with the Engineer and Manager, Richard Allen.
A full and comprehensive job done, including varnishing (outside and in), white painted roofs and deck paint on the outside, a pressure water system fitted with hot water to sink and repaired shower, central hot-air heating, fuel and water gauges and a host of new ropes, wires and fenders. A lot of work for a lot of money (£3,100), but good to see The Lady’s dignity restored at last. She will stay in the workshop and out of this snow for the weekend, but they want the winter cover to be able to move it outside on the slipway next week. A good job, well done. Back towards St Neots on the Huntingdon road, but we were forced to retrace our steps, as a lorry had stuck in the snow on a long hill. Back to Little Paxton via the A1 and home by 3.10pm and in time for Diana to collect Debbie from school. Out then to clear the snow from our drive and pathways, bring in a fair pile of wood for a cold evening, clear the snow off the Jaguar and put it away. I successfully get the ducks fed and put away and then to the office to check messages. I talk to the Sussex IDPM and dictate a biography and theme for my speech next month in Worthing. I also hear from The Guardian, who included my comments in both last Wednesday’s and Saturday’s Guardians – she is sending me copies. In to light the fire and take the radio phone to the house for this evening’s phone call. Tea of herrings and ice cream to follow then, in front of the fire, to catch up on today’s Investor’s Chronical and journal until 9.00pm. News tonight of the arrival home of the Libyan British prisoners and of improvements in diplomatic relations with the two countries. Also of an ambush and incident, where three Northern Irish police are threatened and the driver killed. The Republicans are getting very upset over the joy-riding deaths. Security forces are scanning the Highcliff Hotel in Bournemouth for Thatcher’s speech to the Young Conservatives tomorrow. In Bradford a women raped some years (2 ½) ago was raped and strangled by the same man who had been released and paroled in a vengeful action.