Busy day of Computer Industry and personal finance actions as Thormaid becomes mine and I satisfy the herald at the Royal College of Arms about my achievement as Thatchers returns to face a Sterling Crisis
A lay in this morning as I read a book about waterside Ely – past and present, until my paper and post arrived. Breakfast of duck egg, boiled with buttered bread all round and then back up for the papers, and a rather late lay in reading the Investors Chronicle as well. At last David Christie had sent to Vintners our wills in draft and they had been copied to me for my comments. Up and, after a quick wash, out to the doves, who were very hungry for once. Then the ducks, who had laid 5 eggs in their clean straw. To the office a little late and no messages as I had forgotten to leave the answering machine on. A pile of mail and mostly computer magazines, which I read thoroughly, finding some comments from me in Computer News on inward investment.
At last finished my reading and then to the phone, first trying Keith and Murray, where Mr Robertson was engaged with a client before going out. It seems that they received the signed papers from me yesterday lunchtime and so I left a message that the funds were being transferred from my bank to the other side anyway today and if that was a problem then they should phone me. Then to try Vintners, but Gerald Chadwick was out, but his secretary called me back to suggest two alternative days for a joint meeting with my accountants. After talking to Roger Brittain, I agreed on Thursday next at 2.00pm and so I confirmed this in spite of the difficulties that choice of date gives me. Then a call from the bank, who confirm the funds were safely transferred to the Royal Bank of Scotland today and so I suppose Thormaid is mine. Just whilst getting ready for lunch, Computer Weekly calls (David Madden) and tells me of DTI support for Seagate to set up a UK disk repair base - what madness! I just have time to compile a long and difficult letter to the Rouge Dragon Pursuivant. He wrote to me about my design of Heraldic Standard and pedigree and I studiously listed and typed details of my birth, marriage and children for his ‘Elegantly Scriven Registers’. Back to the house where Diana’s Mum and Dad are waiting and all together to The Happy Eater for a nice lunch, which cost £20. Back and to work and several personal letters typed to John Lamb, the SDP, Jill Hills, National Provident Institution (about red squirrels) and others. Calls from Martin Islewood (about letterhead) John Lamb (about Esprit) and Lewis of Ekins (about Archer’s Wood). I briefed the latter of my forester’s valuation and warned him to expect a low offer. Rather late home for tea – putting away the ducks and bringing in firewood in the dark. Tea of cottage pie and ice cream to follow. Daniel has spent the day at Jason Chamber’s house with his friend Gary. Debbie has taken her ballet exam and looks a picture in her outfit and carefully prepared hair. She seems to have done well and has also enjoyed the playful times with her Grandad. Then to light the fire and sketch out my speech on Monday, update my journal and discuss our wills with Diana before the television news. We decide to keep the children’s money in trust until they are 25, and dividing the assets into their own and others for family management. News tonight of Thatcher’s return to a £ sterling at a record low as President Reagan spoke of doing nothing to prevent the dollar’s relentless advance. With the high dollar, the US companies start calling for protection measures. More clerical criticism from the Bishop of Durham over the changes planned in rural bus services. Two court judgements and injunctions against teachers unions under the 1984 Union Legislation, but they will just hold ballots and then carry on. The break down in coal talks leads to more returning miners today, but less than half of them are working and less than 1/3rd of the output is taking place. USSR leader Chernenko is now confined to bed on doctor’s orders and his illness has now been publicised inside the country. A British blood donor has died of AIDS and over 30 recipients are being screened.